Reed 1st XI maintained their unbeaten Herts league momentum on Saturday as Simon Jackson led his team to another successive 8 wicket victory against County Hall at home.

Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Reed drew first blood in the hot weather as William Clarke (14-3-33-3) snared opener W. Archer for 4, followed swiftly by their number 3 A. Devine for a duck. Michael Berks (14-3-40-3) also chipped in with a couple of crucial early wickets, principally the left-hander R.Hale (31) who posed a significant threat to Reed’s dominance. Richard Johnson (9-3-26-2) also contributed with 2 wickets, thanks to one of 2 blistering slip catches by Richard Jerome (12-5-17-2). Jerome also contributed significantly with the ball helping to restrict run-scoring from one end, allowing Berks and Clarke to make inroads at the opposite end. County Hall were eventually bowled out for a meagre 121 in 50 overs, despite favourable batting conditions.

Despite an early loss on 20, Reed’s victory never looked in doubt as Baz Curtis, fresh from his National Village Cup century last Sunday, registered a majestic 73*, earmarked with strong cuts and 2 sixes over extra cover and long-off.

Curtis took a particular liking to County Hall’s fast bowler A.Szermiako (4-0-37-0), as he sent the new ball to all corners of the green. Chris Jackson (32) again offered solid support, until he was dubiously adjudged run out as he neared his half century, earning County Hall another point. It took Reed only 20.2 overs to surpass the opposition’s effort registering their fifth successive league victory this season, and extending their unbeaten league-run from June last year.

The 1st and 2nd XI lie top of divisions 3 and 8 respectively following the 1st XI victory at home, and a nail-biting victory by the 2nd XI over at County Hall in Hertford. Simon Jackson, club and 1st XI captain, was staggered with his team’s performance: “Once again we bowled with tight precision, and our batting justified why we are eligible for Division 2.”