Rain frustrates Reed First’s victory push after great bowling performance.
The unpredictable British weather put pay to any hope of Reed forcing a victory away at Hertford after a marvellous all round bowling display. Having won the toss and putting their hosts into bat, Hertford reached 28 before Ed Wharton (6-3-30-1) trapped Wray lbw for 14, Jack Tidey (9-1-27-3) added fellow opener Riddle soon after and Hertford were only 34-2. Mitchell Cooper provided an eventful first over conceding 3 runs off his first two balls and then providing a catch to wicket keeper Rich Wharton, before pinning Lawrence lbw with the next delivery, skipper Cowell was almost the hatrick victim as the umpire turned down the shout for another lbw. He soon fell to Jack Tidey and at 48-5 the county town side was struggling. The Reed bowlers continued to turn the screw with Sean Tidey (9-0-36-1) and Toby Fynn (7-0-28-2) also getting in on the act and Hertford were staring down the barrel at 89-8. A much needed 56 partnership for the ninth wicket between Leather (42) and Underdown (30) gave the Hertford score respectability. Fynn and Cooper (5.2-0-38-3) came back to take the last two wickets dismissing Hertford for 149 inside 37 overs just as the drizzle arrived. The rain got steadily heavier during the tea break and the game was eventually called off by the umpires with Reed unable to begin their reply. Both sides pick up 10 points for the No Result. Match Report submitted by Neil Haslam.
