Batting first on a bright and sunny evening Hertford, who won the toss and chose to bat, got off to an excellent start on a firm flat Hertford wicket and lightening fast outfield. Barbet and Ray were merciless on any bowling that was short, full or gave them width. Despite the Reed bowlers bowling reasonably tidily Hertford accrued 64 – 0 after 10 overs and progressed to 70-1 before Ray holed out to an excellent catch at deep mid wicket confidently taken by Scott Caine. Carlsson kept up the momentum before falling run out for 9 whilst Manning 14 and the solid Barbett 48 not out saw Hertford to 124 – 2 off their 20 overs.
The excellent batting conditions also favoured Reed’s opening pair who set about the demanding reply with gusto. William Heslam and Oliver Benham demonstrated an array of fine strokes all around the wicket, punished any loose bowling, and also ran between the wickets exceptionally well. At the halfway stage the pair had amassed 79 – 0 but in the next over Benham fell caught to a good catch for a hard hit 46. Heslam however continued to play a fine innings of cultured strokeplay and, joined by skipper Sean Tidey, took the Reed total to 124 in the 18th over before Heslam had to retire unbeaten on 53. With only one more needed to win Sam Deville struck the required single leaving Tidey on 15 not out and Reed victors by 9 wickets with 13 balls to spare.
A thoroughly entertaining match, played in a sporting manner, where the bat dominated the ball on an excellent batting wicket.
