Reed win by 9 wickets Reed won one of their most important fixtures of the league season on Saturday as they thrashed second placed Redbourn by a staggering 9 wickets, placing them third in the league, and also giving the opposition a mere 1 point. Despite losing the toss, skipper Simon Jackson was confident that his side could bowl out Redbourn on a dry, batting friendly wicket in hot conditions. His prediction was proved correct as the home side skittled the opposition for a mere 52. Michael Berks (10-2-20-3) again starred with the ball taking two key top-order wickets on non-favourable bowling. William Clarke (7-3-17-1) also removed the top scorer G.Tookey (25), but the afternoon was particularly dominated by Berks and Peter Tidey (4-0-9-3) who tore through the middle order with his unplayable inswingers and variation. The rest was regulation work for Reed who knocked off their total for the loss of only 1 wicket in 14.2 overs. Tom Fulk (14*) again showed excellent patience with the bat in conjunction with Chris Jackson (19*), who ended the match with a blistering straight six, to ensure Reed captured their full points quota, and boosting their promotion drive. Simon Jackson was delighted following the match: “this is a clear sign that Reed are moving back into League form, with both first and second teams, which was also particularly shown by our Keatley Cup win over Royston last Tuesday too. Hopefully this is the trend of things to come” Reed are due to face Bishop's Stortford IIs on Saturday.

Despite threatening clouds over north Hertfordshire, Reed 1st XI were the only team to squeeze in their Saturday Herts League fixture in Division 3. The weather failed to dampen the spirits of the league leaders as they notched up a third successive victory over Rickmansworth thanks to match-ball sponsorship by Hardcastle Burton Chartered Accountants of Royston. Reed's slightly depleted side lost the toss, but still managed to dismiss Rickmansworth for a meagre 71 in 33 overs. As league new-comers, Reed's bowling attack have not been hit for more than 166 runs cumulatively in the first three league matches, and their form shone through, as Michael Berks (4-19), the pick of the Reed bowlers, dismissed the top-order typically cheaply, thanks to some deft catches by skipper, Simon Jackson behind the stumps. William Clarke (3-35) and Richard Jerome (3-4) shared the other wickets, particularly thanks to 2 sharp slip catches from Michael Curtis. In reply, Reed battled against both the bowling and incoming clouds in their quest for victory. Michael Curtis (12) and Simon Jackson (5) were out with the score on 21 to Chris Carter (1-25) and N. Davies (1-28) respectively, but some concentration and application by Chris Jackson (20*) and Richard Jerome (35*) ensured that the game was finalised by tea at 4.30pm in 16 overs. The rain then settled in for the afternoon at 4.45pm . Saturday's win marked the third successive league weekend where Reed 1st XI and 2nd XI have registered maximum points placing them both top of Divisions 3 and 8 respectively. The total wash-out of each division meant that they now hold a comfortable points advantage with second place. The club continues its run of fortune as it remains unbeaten [...]

Reed cruised to an easy win over Royston at the heath on Saturday. Batting first, Reed were a class above Royston, with James Heslam making easy working of the Royston attack, hitting a fine 100. Chris Jackson (66 not out) and Richard Jerome (53 not out) then steered Reed to amass a total of 255 - 2 in their 40 overs. In reply, Royston were always struggling to deal with Reeds bowling attack and failed to match the required run rate. As wickets fell so did Roystons chances of winning, and saw them being bowled out for just 98, with Pete Tidey the pick of Reeds bowlers picking up 3 for 24.

Reed 1st XI managed to clinch a 16 point draw against Southgate Adelaide on Saturday in Herts League Division 3, seeing them slip to fourth position. Winning the toss on a dry wicket with underlying moisture, Reed elected to bat. A solid 21 from Baz Curtis, and another grafted 88 from Chris Jackson (his third 50 in three weeks) saw Reed to 194 all out in 51.1 overs. All batsmen chipped in to support the sublime Jackson, but the team lost their momentum after he was dismissed to a contentious edge behind, failing to clinch the maximum available batting points. Daniel Fitzpatrick (15-2-67-3) managed to pick up 3 wickets in a pacey, if wayward spell, in conjunction with spinner A.Morris (15.1-3-45-3), who bowled with superb flight and accuracy. Reed managed to pinch an early wicket thanks to Peter Tidey (16-2-49-2) with the old ball, whilst Richard Jerome (13-4-14-0) bowled a tight spell at the other end to peg the visitors back to 38 runs off their first 20 overs. Once the patient 42 by D.Whiteing was ended by Clarke, and skipper T.Grover ran himself out, the game looked firmly in Reed's hands. This was further consolidated when Michael Berks came back for his second spell with a bang by taking 4 wickets in quick succession to leave the visitors on the rack at 137-8. This follows up his five wicket haul last week. But the effort came too late as Reed were unable to take the final two wickets, leaving Southgate Adelaide on 147-8 in their 48 overs.