Reed IIs continued their imperious league form by demolishing St Albans IIIs on an unseasonably chilly day at The Green.

Reed skipper Marcus Martin, unbeaten thus far in his first 6 games at the helm, won the toss for only the 2nd time all season and decided to go against high profile advice and insert the visitors into bat.

Martin again opted for the in-form Toby Fynn and Peter Tidey to spearhead his bowling attack, and although one of the At Albans opening batsmen took the attack to Reed early on with some sumptuous drives through the off-side, the evergreen Tidey soon regained control by tempting him to hit an uppish drive into the ever dependable extra-cover specialist Karl Ward. This wicket got the home side’s tail up, and Fynn soon got in on the act, snaring 2 quick wickets as he sent down 7 magnificent overs.

Fynn (2-8) was then replaced by the follicley challenged Rupert Martin, who soon got in on the wicket taking act as Reed ran riot and ripped through the St Albans middle order. Martin used his surprise in-swinger to good effect and finished with figures of 4-25, leaving Peter Tidey with figures of 3-32. Phil Frenay got the 10th wicket with a fast, in-swinging Yorker. St Albans all out for 72 inside 30 overs.

Reed’s opening batsmen Phil Frenay and Fergus Martin set about chasing the modest total in calm and measured fashion, however Ferg (4) soon snicked a decent delivery to slip to give the visitors their first point. Captain Marcus Martin, perhaps controversially batting in his usual position at 3 despite the return to the team of Ward, strode to the middle intent on finishing the game quickly. Unfortunately, whilst trying to hit the opening bowler into Royston, he only found the wicket keeper and departed for 12.

Despite the early loss of wickets, Phil Frenay batted on undeterred and showed some real class as he hit cleanly down the ground. Frenay looks in the form of his life at the top of the order this season, and even managed to play the spinners as nonchalantly as the pace attack much to the delight of big Mike, who watched on proud from the sidelines.

Frenay (44 Not Out) was ably assisted by Ed Garrott (10 Not Out) as Reed raced to an 8 wicket victory inside 13 overs.

Commenting after the game, Reed captain Marcus Martin said “I’m well happy”.