Reed 3rd XI continued their excellent run of form with an impressive 96-run victory over Botany Bay 3rd XI at Freman College, collecting another maximum 30 points to set up a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash with Weston next weekend.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Reed produced another disciplined team batting performance. Paul Garrott once again led from the front, compiling a superb 63 from 88 balls, including nine boundaries, providing the backbone of the innings.

He was well supported throughout the order, with Stan Cooper (16) and Ethan Fox (32) both making valuable contributions to build partnerships and keep the scoreboard moving. Captain Chris Cooper then combined with Matt Yates to add valuable late runs, with Yates injecting real momentum into the innings with an explosive 22 from just 21 deliveries, striking four boundaries and a six. Cooper remained unbeaten on 27 as Reed closed on a competitive 206-7 from their 40 overs.

Reed's bowlers then took complete control. George Wood struck twice early to remove Botany Bay's dangerous opening pair, immediately putting the visitors under pressure. Matthew Jackson then maintained the squeeze with an accurate opening spell before Zak Rouse produced another outstanding performance, claiming 4-31 from his eight overs to break the heart of the middle order. Matt Yates backed him up brilliantly with miserly figures of 1-13 from six overs, while Greg McKinnell wrapped up the innings in style, taking the final three wickets in a remarkable one-over spell to finish with extraordinary figures of 3 wickets for 0 runs.

Behind the stumps, Simon Jackson once again demonstrated why he is one of the league's outstanding wicketkeepers. His sharp work produced two catches and a stumping, helping maintain Reed's relentless pressure throughout the innings and reinforcing his position at the top of the division's dismissals table.

Botany Bay were eventually dismissed for 110 in just 28 overs, handing Reed a comprehensive 96-run victory.

Another maximum haul of 30 points keeps Reed firmly in second place, just 12 points behind leaders Weston. The stage is now set for a huge top-of-the-table clash next weekend, with first place on the line in what promises to be one of the biggest games of the season.