Reed failed to maintain their 100% Hertfordshire league record when they failed to overcome a strong County Hall side. Reed welcomed the return of veteran swing bowler Peter Tidey after a short return for “Uncle Pete” to Steeple Morden. Dropped catches were the order of the day for Reed with Jackson (Chris not Simon this time!) dropping 2, Heslam 1 and even Steve Dunn with gloves on dropped one. Tidey staked his claim for a regular first team place with a spell of tight bowling and devastating swing which saw him finish with figures of 5 for 41 with Reed restricting the home side to 181 For 9. Other notable performances were Michael “3 attempts to bowl 1 delivery” Berks and Ben “Im not gonna juggle one again” Bowles who finally became the first player to finally make a catch. I also believe some catches were caught when the ball was being thrown back to the bowler but there wasnt many.

In reply Baz Curtis got Reed off to a customary good start before wickets started to tumble. Reed`s middle order gave little support to Curtis who eventually was out for 42. Poor shot selection was to blame for Reed`s batting collapse aided by their persistence to chase the opposing total. Australian quickie Bruce “I think Ill clean up Tidey first ball, after what has come before him” Johnston picked up 6 for 27 and was the pick of the County Hall bowlers. However all-rounder Tidey became the crowd pleaser stepping down the wicket on numerous occassions to the Aussie. Reed were eventually bowled out for 100 leaving captain Simon Jackson bewildered by
his sides collapse.

More concern for Reed has got to be captain severe lack of league runs having still not scored a run in 3 games. Jacksons comment to the webpage were “But Ive only had two innings, been given out LBW twice, by Keith, one which and I middled and the other well I just wasnt good enough.” Also tales of unrift in the camp over Jacksons ability to be a first team batsman and likening to Mike Brearley were denied by the skipper.