Reed 1st XI continued their fine run of league form on Saturday, retaining their top position in Herts League division 3, by thrashing Northampton Exiles away by 8 wickets.

Electing to field, Reed’s bowling attack bowled tightly throughout restricting the home side to 78 all out off 52.2 overs. Michael Berks (10-2-16-1) made a crucial breakthrough in the twelfth over, with a spectacular one handed caught and bowled. The other opener, William Clarke (14-6-23-2) also made inroads, with a lengthy, but accurate, swing bowling spell. Exiles failed to gather any momentum, particularly when Reed’s most experienced swing bowler, Peter Tidey (19-5-25-3), caused a run-drought in tandem with spinner Richard Jerome (9.2-4-8-3).

Tom Fulk starred in the field with three tough catches and a sharp run-out to end their innings. Reed’s response was typically sturdy as they reached the total in 27.2 overs for the loss of two wickets.

Chris Jackson built a solid 22 before being bowled by L.Robertson (14-7-26-2), but it was Baz Curtis who was the core of the innings, as he grafted a patient 32 not out seeing Reed to their fourth successive League victory of the season.

Simon Jackson, Reed’s skipper, was delighted: “…once again, I’m thrilled with our team performance…we hope to carry this through to the National Village Cup as well. There’s a buzz of excitement throughout the club as a result of our success to date in the League and Cup competition which is feeding our confidence”

Reed 2nd XI was not as lucky, despite bowling Exiles’ 2nd XI out for a paltry 61. Their chances of completing a fourth successive 60 point weekend for the club were scuppered by the weather, as rain forced a premature end to the game during their reply on 31-1.

The match ball was kindly sponsored by Hardcastle-Burton Chartered Accountants of Royston.