Promotion-chasing Reed 3rd XI continued their impressive campaign with a convincing seven-wicket victory away to Old Minchendenians 3rd XI, adapting superbly to a different type of wicket that demanded discipline from both batters and bowlers.

The surface offered plenty throughout the afternoon. There was enough movement to reward accurate bowling, but equally enough value for batters prepared to spend time at the crease. Reed judged those conditions far better than their hosts, producing a disciplined display with the ball before making light work of a modest chase.

After electing to field, Reed’s bowlers immediately took control. Ollie Kimsey and Matthew Jackson found the ideal lengths, exploiting the conditions to devastating effect. Kimsey claimed 3-15 from five overs, while Jackson was even more miserly, returning outstanding figures of 3-8 from his five-over spell, including two maidens.

The early breakthroughs left Old Minchendenians under constant pressure, with only V Bagri, who struck 10, and a steady stream of extras preventing an even lower total. Reed’s bowlers maintained relentless accuracy throughout, supported by sharp fielding, with a direct hit run out from Jon Fry and a run out from Matthew Jackson, as the home side stumbled to just 38 in 13.1 overs. Abigail Jackson chipped in with a wicket, while George Wood closed out the innings.

Although the target was small, the wicket ensured there was to be no easy ride. Reed also found batting wasn’t straightforward early on, losing both openers before reaching 30. Michael Robertson made 9 and Stan Johnson added another 9, but the visitors never panicked, recognising that sensible cricket was the order of the day.

George Wood demonstrated exactly how to approach the surface, striking an unbeaten 10 from just seven deliveries to finish the game in positive fashion, while Jack Fry remained alongside him at the close. Reed reached 39-2 in only 9.4 overs to complete a comfortable seven-wicket victory.

While the scorecard may suggest a one-sided affair, the wicket made batting far from straightforward. The difference between the two sides was Reed’s ability to adapt. Their bowlers consistently hit the right areas to make the most of the conditions, while their batters showed the patience and composure required to negotiate a surface that demanded respect.

With another valuable victory secured, Reed’s promotion challenge gathers further momentum. As the season enters its decisive stages, performances built on discipline, adaptability and teamwork such as this will only strengthen their belief that promotion remains firmly within their grasp.