A DEPLETED Reed met a strong Herts Premier League Sawbridgeworth in their first friendly fixture of the season at home on Saturday. Sawbridgeworth included Andrew Richardson who was called up to the West Indies squad last year, and Michael Burrell, who

A DEPLETED Reed met a strong Herts Premier League Sawbridgeworth in their first friendly fixture of the season at home on Saturday.

Sawbridgeworth included Andrew Richardson who was called up to the West Indies squad last year, and Michael Burrell, who plays for Hertfordshire, while Reed gave a first team debut to new signings Bernie Morse and Joe Curk.

Surprisingly Reed were put into bat, however Michael Burrell's bowling soon paid dividends as he took the early scalp of Baz Curtis (7), before Chris Jackson (14) made a good start with his elder brother Simon.

Joe Curk (13) hit a few classy shots before he was dismissed by Richardson.

Simon Jackson played Richardson very well on his way to 32 before being given out by Danny Wilson. However, Morse, Ed Garrott and Rob Willoughby saw Reed to a very respectable 125 on a low scoring wicket.

In reply Sawbo got off to an awful start, losing Tom Small to a magnificent catch by Graham Hazard off captain Andy Young's bowling.

Young (3 for 29), with his quick bowling also cleaned bowled Burrell with his first ball, and as a result Sawbo were reeling at 30 for 3.

Further changes to the bowling saw the rejuvenated Richard Johnson bowl probably his best first team spell of his career, and he was unlucky to finish with only 1 for 28 from his nine overs.

Morse then had an amazing nine over spell, with five maidens and taking three wickets for four runs.

Despite Reed taking regular wickets the visitors just got their victory with four overs and with three wickets to spare.

Stand in skipper Andy Young said: "They had eight first team regulars playing, including Richardson, who has previously dismissed Rahul Dravid, and plays alongside Chris Gayle for Jamaica back home.

"With the bare bones, Simon Jackson set a good foundation for our innings.

"All of our bowlers bowled superbly, especially debutant Bernie Morse, and we made everything very hard for a strong Premier League side.

"This will be a good start to our first season in Division One of the Hertfordshire League."

n Reed Sunday first team travelled to Ampthill for a friendly, which unfortunately ended in defeat - but yielded some good performances from two of the club's younger players.

Ampthill batted first, with the Reed openers Michael Robertson (1-35) and Mitch Cooper (2-22) bowling well and keeping the run rate low. Ampthill lost two quick wickets with Robertson and Richard Johnson (1-39) picking up one each.

Unfortunately, instead of Reed kicking on and taking more wickets, the Ampthill batsmen turned the tables and chalked up centuries as the hosts finished on 265 from their 45 overs.

Unfortunately things did not start to well for Reed, as they lost captain Marcus Martin early on for a duck.

Joe Curk however, showed his promise with a number of exciting shots as he reached 30, before being caught after going for another big shot.

Chris Jackson added 10, before Tom Greaves made a superb 60 against an experienced Ampthill bowling attack. Greaves was supported by Matt Austin (3), Richard Johnson (20), Rob Willoughby (13), and Naeem (23). Robertson (13) and Cooper (3 not out) added runs at the end.

Reed made 192 all out in 41 overs, which left them well short, but it was the display of youngsters Cooper and Greaves, that had people talking, with their impressive performances.