Reed continued their push for promotion with a convincing 160 Win over Knebworth Park II on Saturday, taking them top of the league with three games remaining.
Missing several keys players due to other commitments, Reed demonstrated their strength in depth by utilising their young squad but also being able to call upon experienced wicket keeper Simon Jackson to replace young Sean Tidey, making his first appearance for 2 years.
On a swealtry summer day, skipper James Heslam lost the toss and surprisingly was asked to have a bat. Reed lost the early wicket of Will Heslam, however this gave Tom Greaves (38) the opportunity to demonstrate his quality, punching the ball to all corners of the ground. At the other end, James Heslam was batting well and between the pair they put on 77 for 2nd wicket.
When Greaves fell lbw to Patel, Reed were in a solid position to build on from, and this they did with the help of Heslam and Chris Jackson. Heslam however fell for a well worked 61 and it was up to Stuart Smith and Chris Jackson to build the next passage of play. Smith was particularly destructive of the bad ball and was soon racing away to a quick fire 50.
With Reed looking for a declaration and Smith looking for his century he unfortunately drove one back at Patel who took a good catch leaving Smith on 82 for an excellent counter destructive innings. Reed lost one further wicket before an early declaration at 261, with Jackson on 32 and Mitchell Cooper on 11
In reply, Reed got off to an excellent start with paceman Lee Johnson picking up 3 early wickets in a fine spell of pace bowling. The missing Jack Tidey was replaced by Mitchell Cooper at the other end and he bowled a tidy and economical opening spell of bowling, testing the Knebworth batsman throughout. Knebworth however steadied the ship with the help of Roseberry (57) and Patel (20), however when Greaves dismissed Patel and Garrott likewise Roseberry, this was the sign for things to come.
Reed continued to exert the pressure with the ball and in the field, and with Tom Greaves picking up wickets at regular intervals it was only a matter of time before Reed wrapped up the game. It was Greaves who picked up the final wicket, finishing with excellent figures of 5-16; again proving why he is one of the best spin bowlers in the league.
