REED slipped to third in Division 2 of the Saracens Herts League on Saturday, drawing with league leaders Berkhamsted. Electing to field first, Reed opened tightly as Peter Tidey (16-6-55-2) pegged back openers Langley (36) and Seagrave (18) in tandem wit

REED slipped to third in Division 2 of the Saracens Herts League on Saturday, drawing with league leaders Berkhamsted.

Electing to field first, Reed opened tightly as Peter Tidey (16-6-55-2) pegged back openers Langley (36) and Seagrave (18) in tandem with Graham Wilson (10-1-44-0).

Then after eight overs, skipper James Heslam made the controversial decision of removing the dependable Wilson from the attack and replacing him with William Clarke (17-4-40-3).

It was a shrewd move by the Reed captain as the new pairing tightened the grip even further, with Clarke removing Seagrave and Hughes, and Tidey dismissing Hardy for six.

Things got even better when Richard Johnson (10-1-32-1) removed the obdurate Langley, together with his off stump.

Clarke then followed up with the wicket of Herring (3) and two run outs ensued, the highlight of which was a direct hit by Heslam.

However, with Cambill (28) and Roberts (7) remaining at the crease, Berkhamsted managed to sustain a score of 194-8 off their 53 overs, with Reed losing an over to chase due to a slow over-rate.

Reed began their chase with vigour. Baz Curtis (11) started strongly against the accurate and prolific inswing of Roberts (23-6-65-5), who did eventually take his wicket, and then dismissed Heslam lbw.

This gave Tom Fulk and Chris Jackson the chance to consolidate, and the pair dragged Reed to 104-2 from 27 overs.

Reed looked to be in a commanding position, until Roberts made a double strike bringing Phil Frenay (0) and Marcus Martin (1) to the crease.

Martin was then unlucky to go lbw to a rising delivery, and in almost identical fashion, Frenay soon followed.

Reed were soon reeling at 118-5, and the pressure was on for Simon Jackson (3) and Richard Johnson (12).

But both struggled to maintain a threatening run rate, particularly against Roberts who was in full swing.

And the task proved too much, as Herring (7-0-21-2) removed the pair, leaving Clarke (10 not out) and Graham Wilson (2 not out) to see the score to 179 -8 off 46 overs, leaving both teams rueing the extra over lost.

As a result Berkhamsted left with a healthy points score, and Reed less so, despite dominating and creating chances to win.

Reed Captain James Heslam said: "This was a big game for both teams, and we were disappointed not to win after coming so close.

"I guess Berkhamsted felt the same, but unfortunately on the day it just didn't go well for us.