IT may be unlucky for some, but not for Reed, who won their 13th Keatley Cup on Tuesday evening – and their sixth on the spin. The Saracens Herts League side set two new competition records last season by claiming their 12th title and fifth in succession

IT may be unlucky for some, but not for Reed, who won their 13th Keatley Cup on Tuesday evening - and their sixth on the spin.

The Saracens Herts League side set two new competition records last season by claiming their 12th title and fifth in succession, and now tighten their grip on the popular competition following a comfortable 109-run victory over Royston Town.

And it was a classic case of David and Goliath as the inexperienced Town got to grips with a side brimming of cricket talent and know-how.

Royston Town captain Mark Hawkins said: "There is obviously a gulf between the two of us, but I think we gave it a good shot. We went out and just tried to enjoy ourselves - and we can take a lot from the game."

Sammi Khan and Waquil Shah were Town's biggest hopes of an upset, and the pair started well, making life awkward for Reed's opening batsmen Baz Curtis and Phil Frenay.

Eventually Curtis (17) was dismissed by Sammi Khan, while Graham Litson took the wicket of Frenay (31).

But The Crow's man-of-the-match Joe Curk (49) and skipper James Heslam re-established control with an impressive array of shot selection.

Sammi Khan bowled Heslam, before adding Marcus Martin (3) with a third. And despite Shah making a brilliant catch to send Karl Ward (3) back to the pavilion, the damage was seemingly already done, Reed finishing on 161 for 6 from their 15 overs.

In reply Town got off to a bright start with the impressive Shah chipping away for a well-worked 17, although Zahid Khan went for a disappointing 1, bowled by Richard Johnson.

Sammi Khan (28) set about the Reed attack with a number of confident strokes, before he was caught by Karl Ward.

The Town innings then lost its momentum, with Peter Tidey taking an impressive five wickets, and they were all out for 52.

Reed captain Heslam said: "We would like to keep our winning run going and the Keatley Cup is always a good competition to be part of."

Fred Bendall, who is in his 11th year as organiser, hailed the competition as another "success".

He said: "I do think the better side won, but Royston Town have done very well in getting this far. All the way through the competition we have seen some very entertaining cricket.

"Reed have got a very good record and once again they have showed they will take some beating!