Reed CC 4th XI continued their impressive start to the season with a hard-fought victory away to Milton CC 3rd XI, chasing down 120 to win by three wickets at North Lodge Park.

After losing the toss and being asked to field, Reed produced another disciplined bowling and fielding display to dismiss Milton for 119 in just 27.3 overs. The hosts started brightly through Mathew Abraham, who struck 33 at the top of the order, but Reed’s bowlers gradually tightened their grip on the game.

The breakthrough came courtesy of Cameron MacLeod, who removed both openers and finished with an excellent 2-26 from four overs. Joshua England and Stanley Johnson both chipped in with a wicket apiece, while Eddie Heslam kept things tight in the middle overs with figures of 1-16.

The standout spell, however, came from Jim Sapsed, whose remarkable figures of 4-3 from 4.3 overs ripped through the Milton lower order. Sapsed’ accuracy and control sparked a collapse that saw Milton lose their final six wickets for just 37 runs. Reed also backed up the bowling superbly in the field, taking several sharp catches to maintain pressure throughout the innings.

In reply, Reed’s chase was anchored by a composed innings from Stanley Johnson, who top scored with 36. After an early six from Dave Saunders helped Reed settle into the chase, Johnson played sensibly through the middle overs, finding boundaries when required and keeping the scoreboard moving.

Milton fought back well with Sam Jones claiming 3-19 and Tom Hingston picking up two wickets, reducing Reed to 99-6 and briefly giving the home side hope. But calm contributions from William Mansfield and the unbeaten pairing of Jim Sapsed and Cameron MacLeod guided Reed home in the 30th over.

The victory continues an encouraging start to the campaign for Reed 4th XI, with another strong team performance highlighting the growing confidence and depth throughout the side.