Letchworth leave it late to see off Reed

A couple of fiery spells by Ed Wharton, which earned him five wickets, were not enough to prevent Letchworth triumphing by two wickets after they appeared to be cantering to an easy win.

Reed found runs hard to come by against spinners Maxford Pipe (10-3-16-1) and captain William Bates (10-2-32-3).

However, the Heslams put together a solid opening partnership of 48 with Bates scoring 36 while Richard Wharton (32) and Tom Greaves (21) matched their efforts.

It was left to Mitchell Cooper though, who smashed 15 off the final over, including two towering sixes which took them to a respectable total of 195-8.

With a steady drizzle falling, Letchworth set off at a rapid rate, although Wharton accounted for two top batsmen in Simmons and Bates with only 17 on the board.

Nevertheless, with West Indian one-day international Pipe (29) scoring freely and opener Will Aitkenhead (48) and Adam Winchester (58) delivering quick runs, Letchworth raced to 150-3.

Sean Tidey made the breakthrough and took a diving catch to halt the charge and when Wharton returned to claim two more wickets, they looked to be in the balance.

A composed ninth wicket stand saw Letchworth home, however.