REED returned to winning ways in Saracens Herts League Division One with an impressive victory over Hitchin at The Green on Saturday.

Following the wet weather, Reed captain James Heslam was pleased to be put in the field by Hitchin.

This proved to be understandable as opening bowlers Lee Johnson (2-37) and Mitchell Cooper (4-36) produced two excellent spells making full use of the decent bowling conditions.

They both found their line early and hit good areas with pace to leave Hitchin in disarray at 10-5 after 10 overs with four batsman clean bowled.

Hitchin were able to recover somewhat with Kennedy (39) playing a decent knock but the Reed pressure was relentless with Johnson and Cooper completing long spells.

Joe Curk (2-6) and Greaves (1-17) were then being brought into the attack with good effect to leave Hitchin 61-9 and Reed were in dreamland.

A last wicket partnership gave Hitchin the slightest of hope taking them to 98 before Cooper removed their number 11.

In reply Reed knew a good start would prevent any chance of a nervous chase and that is exactly what they got.

Despite testing bowling from Hitchin who have performed well with the ball this season James and Will Heslam batted sensible putting the bad ball away to take Reed to 67-0 in good time.

Will Heslam (25) was then removed caught in two minds by a short ball from one of the Hitchin quicks but this only brought Curk (26 not out) to the crease who showed his class to ease Reed to victory supported by James Heslam who remained unbeaten on 43 not out.

Reed travel to St Albans on Saturday in search of another good performance.

This would keep them challenging towards the top end of a tightly bunched league where a few good results can be the difference between fighting for promotion or survival.