Reed First Eleven’s Saracens First Division adventure came to an end on Saturday as they were beaten by Hoddesdon by nine wickets and relegated to Division 2 for next season.
Asked to bat on a slow, damp wicket Reed quickly lost Michael Curtis for 6, Will Dobson and Joe Curk (on his last appearance before returning to Australia) dug in for a 42 run partnership before they both departed in successive overs for 12 and 29 respectably. Chris Jackson began to build a responsible innings and with Phil Frenay in tow took the visitors up to 110 before Frenay was caught on the boundary for 16. Jackson continued towards his fifty but as wickets continued to fall, an imposing total looked out of the question. Reed ending their innings on 162 for 9 off 48 Overs, ten overs being lost to a 35 minute rain shower. Jackson making a spirited 57. Hoddesdon skipper Brown with 3 for 52 and Zimbabwean Harcombe’s 2 for 45 the pick of Hoddesdon’s attack.
In reply, Hoddesdon were held in check early by some hostile fast bowling from Lee Johnson and skipper Andy Young. Young removing Byrne for just 2 lbw, at 10 for 1 Reed just had a glint of light. This was quickly exstinguished as Gandon and South Afican Rory Coutts crafted a match winning partnership. Try as they might Reed could not prise the two men apart and Hoddesdon moved comfortable to their target inside the 36th over. Young with 1 for 35, the only Reed wicket taker.
Hoddesdon safety confirmed and Reed having to contemplate a return to Division Two Cricket.
