The four’s suffered their first defeat of the season on
Saturday when they went up against Hertford V. Batting
first, at the charming ground in Thunderidge, Reed were
soon put on the back foot with two wickets lost for only
nine runs. Opener Peter Baker persisted none the less and
led the way as Reed started to make runs. Sam Deville (20)
gave another useful innings supporting Baker before
knicking one to first slip. Baker was also eventually out
caught but not before making a hard fought 60. Once again
Reeds total benefited from runs down the order from James
Bloor (23), Luke Cox (17), Will Kirby (13*) and Ian Roberts
(13*). Reed finished on the reasonable score of 162 for 8
from 47 overs.
Reed were well aware that Hertford were blessed with some
class batsmen, but the bowlers still went out with
determination to defend the total. Will Kirby (8-2-35-2)
led the Reed attack as both James Bloor (9-0-42-2) and Sam
Deville (5-0-18-1) picked up wickets. However, no one
seemed able to remove opener R. Carter (96), who played a
sensible innings, until Luke Cox (1.5-0-7-1) was awarded
his wicket LBW with his first ball. Unfortunately despite
their best efforts Reed watched as the winnings runs were
hit and Hertford left the field on 163 for 6. Reed may
certainly think that had they made a more competitive score
then they may well have won but in reality Hertford
included some class experienced players and were stronger
on the day. Despite losing Reed came away with fourteen
points and remain in the top four.