Reed IVs welcomed Stevenage to Freman College at the weekend. Despite some cloud cover the match began on time with Reed being asked to field by the opposition. Jack Childs and Zac Conley opened the bowling with Childs getting an early breakthrough from an improvised catch from Roberts at slip via wicket-keeper Bowman’s chin! Stevenage went at a steady rate with mistakes in the field giving them easy runs. After 47 overs Stevenage set a total of 222 for 8 for Reed to chase down. After patching himself up, a special mention must go to skipper Bowman who carried-on with great enthusiasm. Baker and Hoy opened up for Reed but Hoy went early, bowled by a “dipper” for 0. This brought Bill Mansfield to the crease who began to punish the bowlers from the start. In-form Peter Baker (22) was then lost bringing Zac Conley to the crease who typically from the offset began to hit the bowlers around the ground. Conley (24) was lost relatively cheaply which meant Reed were 101 – 3. Contributions from Bowman (5), G. Adam (17) and Childs (12) set the game up for a close finish which was eventually finished by Ian Roberts (19 not out) and Mansfield with a terrific (80 not out), and with 6 overs unused. This means Reed IV keep their unbeaten run in the league going. Importantly, they maintain their lead at the top of the Division at the halfway stage of the season.