REED S league woes continued on Saturday with a five-wicket defeat at Dunstable. Having lost the toss, Reed were put into bat – a decision that looked to have backfired when Baz Curtis slashed a quick-fire 41 off just 28 balls. When Curtis departed, cap

REED'S league woes continued on Saturday with a five-wicket defeat at Dunstable.

Having lost the toss, Reed were put into bat - a decision that looked to have backfired when Baz Curtis slashed a quick-fire 41 off just 28 balls.

When Curtis departed, captain James Heslam (55) took over the baton, although in support Phil Frenay (7), Joe Curk (10) and Richard Johnson (2) were all victims of A Wilson (10-3-40-3).

The pressure had quickly been reversed with Reed on 91 for 4, and despite Simon Jackson's (6) usual consistent middle order role he was unable to add many runs and was eventually unlucky to be given out lbw to S Cherry (11.3-2-24-4).

On 105 for 5, the prospect of increasing the total looked bleak, although William Clarke (29) occupied some time alongside Heslam as they advanced the score to 142.

However, Heslam then mishit a stroke over midwicket to be caught on the boundary in what had been a patient and responsible innings of aggression and deft touches. Clarke continued to occupy the crease with the tail, but Andy Young (1) and Lee Johnson (6) could not muster a strong resistance, and they eventually fell to S Cherry and S Watts (22-2-60-2) who bowled consistently throughout the innings with Reed dismissed for a battling, yet disappointing 164 off 50.3 overs.

Dunstable's reply began with a degree of urgency as Moody (33) and Keogh (25) raced to 55 off 11 overs. It was a change of ends from Lee Johnson (5-0-42-1) that broke the partnership, as Keogh edged behind to wicket keeper Simon Jackson. Moody continued, but was eventually trapped on his back leg by Bernie Morsse (14.2-3-43-4).

Peter Tidey (9-1-26-0) at the other end, and together helped yield three further wickets for Morsse as Simon Jackson completed a sharp stumping, and Richard Johnson plucked an outstanding one handed catch at mid on.

But S Cherry had already built an innings of 34, and S Watts (40 not out) played a sensible and measured innings to see the hosts home with five wickets to spare in 37.2 overs.

Heslam said: "It was a shame that we couldn't get enough runs. The bowling conditions at the end were difficult, but I thought Bernie bowled superbly.