A weakened Reed without captain and vice-captain fought hard against Hemel Hempstead, but eventually succumbed to a 32 run defeat.
This was despite losing two wickets in the first three balls of their innings. It took a partnership of 65 between Kallum Ward (56) and Matt Sampson (37) to take the score to100. Ward in typical fashion smashed James (4-40) for three consecutive maximums then was caught at slip next ball. Sean Tidey supported Sansom, but when the latter was given LBW the game appeared to be up. However Tidey, as he did last week. marshal the tail until he fell for 41. Nevertheless Matt Giblin (12*) and will Archer (6) managed to bring up the 200 to gain a precious fourth batting bonus point.

Hemel’s innings turned on a seventh wicket partnership of 94 between Elborn (52) and Brazier (46) after they had been reduced to 106-6. This was largely the result of some superb catching by Sean Tidey (3), Sampson with an unbelievable stretch one handed at slip and Skipper Tom Greaves who hared in 20 yards from the boundary to pouch a diving catch inches above the ground. The main beneficiaries were Jack Tidey (3-33) and Archer (2-42). Unfortunately. some easier chances were fluffed although Sampson once again caught the eye with a fine throw to run out their no, 7. Another catch by Sampson and a stumping by Tidey brought wickets of the top scorers for Greaves and Ollie Johnson, but Hemel’s 232 proved too much for Reed.