Reed CC 4th XI continued their encouraging start to the season with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Sampfords CC at Freman College on Saturday.

After losing the toss and being asked to field, Reed produced another disciplined bowling performance backed up by excellent work in the field to dismiss the visitors for 151 in 37.4 overs.

The innings began steadily for Sampfords before Reed struck through George Wood, who claimed the opening wicket with the score on 41. Joshua England then made an immediate impact, removing Ryan Hart for a well-made 31 before dismissing Wilfreed Allen with the very next ball to leave the visitors wobbling at 43-3.

From there, Reed maintained control throughout. Eddie Heslam delivered a superb spell, finishing with 3 for 23 from 6.4 overs, including the wickets of Liam Thorndyke, Joey Wood and James Drane. Scott Nash also chipped in with a wicket, while Liam Nash bowled a probing eight-over spell to claim Gary Hart.

The decisive blow came from skipper Simon England. Introduced late into the attack, he struck twice in just three overs, conceding only six runs as he removed Conrad Shelley and Scott Blyth to help wrap up the innings. Behind the stumps, Aaron Nash was in excellent form, claiming two stumpings, while Reed held their chances well in the field.

Chasing 152, Reed's batters approached the target positively. Lloyd Bowman and Dave Saunders laid a solid platform before Saunders took the initiative, striking eight boundaries in an entertaining 34.

The key contribution came from Scott Nash, who anchored the chase superbly. Retiring unbeaten on 55 from just 43 balls, Nash struck ten fours and a six, taking the game away from the visitors with a fluent display of stroke play. Joshua England added 14, while Eddie Heslam (14 not out) and Aaron Nash (9 not out) saw Reed comfortably across the line.

Reed reached 152 for 3 in just 25 overs to complete a comprehensive victory, with contributions throughout the side demonstrating the growing strength and depth of the newly formed 4th XI.