REED are flying high after a thumping league win over mid-placed Preston. Topping the table, captain James Heslam s team are battling hard to maintain their momentum by securing promotion to Division 1 and so far remain the team to beat. Facing Preston

REED are flying high after a thumping league win over mid-placed Preston.

Topping the table, captain James Heslam's team are battling hard to maintain their momentum by securing promotion to Division 1 and so far remain the team to beat.

Facing Preston on a pitch that offered some early seam movement, Reed bowled first with Graham Wilson (12-3-29-0) and Peter Tidey(17.3-4-40-4) pegging down the initial attack.

The talismanic Tidey removed Hearne (10) early on and Preston were soon reduced to 62-3 off 23 overs. William Clarke (9-3-37-2) brought further rewards as he dismissed Gatehouse (13) and laid the foundation for Turner's (16) farewell.

Partnering Clarke, Andrew Emms (5-2-13-2) snared Samaweera (4), thanks to a sharp catch by wicket keeper Simon Jackson. Richard Johnson (2-1-4-2) then came on to mop up the tail with two perfect yorkers to dismiss Preston for 130 in 45.3 overs.

Reed's reply began with Baz Curtis (13) and James Heslam accelerating the score to 27 off 5 overs, before Curtis was harshly judged lbw to a rising delivery.

But his replacement Chris Jackson (35 not out) helped Heslam (30) carry the score to 69, before the skipper went.

Fulk (43) and Jackson maintained the momentum, and allowed Reed free reign to complete a resounding eight-wicket victory.

Captain Heslam said: "I'm delighted that we are top of the league and unbeaten - we've never had a start like this before.