Reed remain mid-table after a five-wicket home defeat to struggling Shenley Village last Saturday.

A reasonable opening partnership between James Heslam (18) and Will Heslam (42) put Reed in control.

However, they then collapsed to 75-6 in the 23rd over.

Although the lower middle order of Sean Tidey (22), Mitchell Cooper (27*) and Phil Lill (17) improved matters for the hosts, it wasn’t long before the home side were all out for 156, with the battling Cooper running out of partners.

Reed’s cause was not helped by the availability to Shenley of Northants U19 bowler Charlie Clarke who took 5-52 in decent seam bowling conditions.

In reply, Reed needed early wickets, which they got, but, chasing a small target, Shenley scored runs freely.

Tom Walsingham, along with Tom Greaves helped reduce Shenley to 29-2 off five overs.

However, the fast scoring continued through the Shenley innings so despite other breakthroughs by Cooper, Toby Fynn and Lill, the visitors reached 159-5 in quick time, with state New Zealander cricketer Tom Bruce top scoring with 51.

Reed will be looking to bounce back at the first attempt when they travel to West Herts for an important game this Saturday.