Reed’s Championship promotion aspirations took a huge knock as they lost by 29 runs at second-placed Totteridge Millhillians on Saturday.
The visitors won the toss and elected to chase.
This was made to look a bad decision as Totteridge made the most of the free-scoring crease.
Overseas player Hayden Butterworth (116) was given the benefit of the doubt over a possible catch in the gully when on just 16, and he was to make Reed pay.
It could have been a lot worse for Reed had they not clawed back eight wickets for just 38 runs to end the home innings on 264 all out. Sean Tidey (3-26) and Phil Lill (3-42) were the leading lights with the ball.
In response, James (51) and Will Heslam (81) found a good early rhythm as Reed eased to 155-1 shortly after tea.
The impressive Butterworth had been a thorn in the visitors’ side for the entire day however, and his terrific spin was to destroy Reed’s fightback.
He accounted for seven of Reed’s order and despite reaching 216-5 off 50 overs, they were soon smothered for 235 all out
Heslam’s men next host fourth-placed Flitwick this weekend.
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