Reed 1st XI travelled to Hemel Hempstead on July 30th and won convincingly in the Herts Premier League Championship.
Reed won the toss and opted to bat on what looked to be a greenish wicket. However Hemel put on an opening partnership of 59 between Ilangorante (36) and Melbourne (35). From this point the day belonged to Toby Fynn (20 overs, 5 maidens, 4 wickets for 52 runs) and Tom Greaves (14.4-4-4-43). Wickets continued to tumble with Hemel being reduced to 111 for 9. However, a last wicket partnership of 25 saw Hemel bowled out for 136. A total Reed should easily have been able to chase down with 70 overs to bat.
Nevertheless, Reed looked in real trouble at six for three after four overs, having lost both Heslam brothers and Tom Greaves. But this brought Chris Jackson (62 not out) and Alex Mutucumarana (30) to the wicket. Mutumacarana threw caution to the wind and scored a rapid 30 before he was caught by Waterton off Hodgins but he had put Reed in the driving seat at 54 for 4. This brought Ed Garrott to the wicket who played an excellent innings of 27 before he was run out with Reed needing just 17 runs for victory. Meanwhile Chris Jackson played a masterful innings guiding Reed safely home to claim an important victory.
Next weekend Reed face in-form Langleybury at home in what should be an intriguing contest between two closely matched teams.
Report submitted by RMR.
