Another disappointing result for the 1st XI as they lost to bottom club Sawbridgeworth by 8 wickets. Reed won the toss and batted first with a good opening partnership of 62 between Rob Lankester and Richard Johnson (18). However wickets fell regularly to catches and when Lankester was caught behind directly after the drinks break for 72, another collapse seemed likely, but a stubborn partnership between Jack Caine (56) and Richard Barlow (45) developed into an exciting one until Barlow was unluckily run-out by a direct throw. Eventually the innings subsided to 260 all out with 3 overs remaining.
When Sawbridgeworth batted, the wicket had become easy paced and two century partnerships between Danny Wilson (91 not out), Bradley Oakes (64) and Rob Sanders (58) saw them home with 2 overs to spare. This despite some tight bowling and good ground fielding with Matt Bowles the most economical bowler only conceding 36 runs from his 10 overs.
Reed must now eke out enough points from the remaining two games to stave off relegation.
Match Report submitted by Peter Wholley.
