Reed 1st X1 made a decisive start to life in Division One with a comprehensive performance in beating Abbots Langley by 7 wickets.

Despite a partnership of 67 for the second wicket, the visitors soon regretted their decision to bat first as the last nine wickets fell for 49 runs. Jack Tiidey struck with his second ball as skipper Rob Lankester snapped up the chance at second slip and Tidey in conjunction with Julien Fynn tied the batters to 3 runs per over. With the introduction of spin, Tom Greaves made the breakthrough. He was well supported by Ollie Johnson (3-21) leaving Abbots Langley 100-7 as Greaves completed his stint finishing with 3-35. It was left to Lankester (two wickets in two overs) and the returning Fynn to mop up the tail. 116 was clearly well below par on a wicket which gave the bowlers little help.

All eyes were on twenty-year-old Tom Thorpe making his debut in England and he didn’t disappoint. He took the opening bowler for four consecutive boundaries on his way to a run a ball 32 setting a strong platform for the innings. The ’ boomerang ‘ swing of Patel eventually caught him out, but contributions of 15 from the patient Stuart Smith and 13 from the more adventurous Charlie Walters left Reed needing just 33 to win. Will Heslam (27 not out) and Lankester with 24, including two maximums soon polished off the deficit leaving the players and spectators plenty of time to celebrate a successful start to the season.