The Firsts just failed to break their sequence of defeats when Hoddesdon overtook their total with an over to spare.
Once again the top order clicked on a good wicket with a fast outfield as Will Heslam (30) and Kallum Ward (55) registered the highest opening partnership of the season – 89 runs. They were followed by Rob Lankester (32) and the in form Jack Caine who top scored once more with 61. Caine only perished after the rain break when Reed were given just 4 more overs to add to their score. Fortunately, they had been going at 6 an over, so when Sean Tidey (26) and Toby Fynn (12) added more quick runs in an unbroken partnership, they were able to set a total of 255.
Hoddesdon had 41 overs to reach it and their openers, Skipper Rob Walters and keeper Will Steward (65) kept up with the run rate in their stand of 120. Despite some accurate bowling and determined fielding, Reed could not stem the flow and Walters carried Hoddie through in the fortieth over making a chanceless 114. Toby and Julien Fynn, Jack and Sean Tidey all finished with a wicket apiece, but it was heartbreak nevertheless.
Reed’s next ‘home’ game versus Redbourn will be played at St. Albans School.
Match Report submitted by Peter Wholley.
