Reed 1st XI narrowly won a high scoring match against Sawbridgeworth on Town Fields by 10 runs in the penultimate over to claim their fourth victory of the season.

Initially the omens did not look favourable with Captain Rob Lankester stuck in a jam on the M11, but even when he arrived Reed had slipped to 39-3, Will Heslam making 22 against some sharp bowling by George Kenny (3-11). However Lankester found a steady partner in Matt Sampson with whom he built a partnership of 109 before Sampson was bowled for 35. Lankester went on to smash 91 with 5 maximums and 8 boundaries until he was narrowly and unluckily run out going for a swift second run. Ahmed, the fielder, hit the wicket from the deep with only one stump to aim at.

His departure did not slow the momentum, however, Sean Tidey hitting consecutive sixes in his 22 and a 44 run partnership between Ed Garrot (12), who supported the destructive Jack Tidey's unbeaten 43 with 7 boundaries and a maximum. 250 looked to be a winning score, but the hosts had amassed over 200 runs in their previous games, so a close finish was in prospect.

Nevertheless Reed seemed in control for most of their innings. They too stumbled at first, falling to 34-3 – Jack Tidey 2-5, Toby Fynn 1-28. Then the first of three half century partnerships ensued between Captain, Alan Ison, (31) and Joe Joyce (76) . When Tidey ended that one to finish with figures of 3-35, Julien Fynn ripped out he middle order, courtesy of two smart catches by Matt Sampson, leaving Sawbridgeworth tottering on 127-7. However Joe Holland (52*) joined Joyce in another 50 partnership, ended by Sam Edkins (1-40) in his final over. Kenny (19) then took over the supporting role in the last big stand to bring the score tantalisingly close on 233. It was left to Lankester and Heslam to snaffle the last two wickets as the hosts finished on 240 with 8 balls left.

What a thriller! That narrow victory means Reed are still table toppers.