The Third Elevens recent run of disappointing results continued with another defeat hosting Hertford. The run up to the game saw a week long struggle to fill all four teams and with availability so poor a weakened, ten man Reed side would have to face their fellow promotion hunters. With Maseeh Naeem still vacationing Ray Kingshott did the captaining duties for Reed and kept the traditions going with yet another win of the coin toss. Kingshott elected to bat first and asked Marcus J.E. Baker and Rhodri Hughes to open proceedings.
Baker was back into his stride after the frustrations of the previous week and was looking his usual self as he scored freely. Hughes also looked very solid and confident as he continued his recent good form. Baker and Hughes never seemed in any discomfort as they made a firm platform for Reed. Both played with patience and control as they put on 63 for the first wicket. Hughes (13) was caught and bowled ending his impressive innings prematurely, making way for John Kershaw. Baker and Kershaw were just starting to build a promising partnership when Baker miss judged the length of one and found himself returning to the changing rooms for 73. Kershaw and Scott Caine looked to be confident at the wicket and combined boundaries with quick singles, however they ran the risks once too many as Caine was run out for 19. Kershaw batted with is captain for a short time but then was caught at point for 38 beginning a terrible collapse that would prove terminal for Reeds hopes of making 200. Including Kershaw, 6 wickets fell for just 10 runs in 3.1 overs. Throwing away what could have been a big total Reed found themselves all out for 165 in 43.1 overs.
Hertford merely needed to bat sensibly to ensure victory. But Reed never gives up on a fight and some fantastic fielding combined with good bowling saw pressure put on the visitors. Alan Ward in particular looked deadly. However, Reed were to have no lucky breaks turning things in their favour with just the three wickets falling, two to Ward and one to Reece Fitzgerald who also bowled well.
This latest disappointment means that Reeds promotion prospects are becoming slimmer and each game is becoming more and more critical. They have the skill to do it all they need is the will to do it.
