REED moved a step closer to a dream trip to Lord s after they booked their place in the Hertfordshire final of the National Village Cricket Cup, writes TOM BROWN. A comfortable eight-wicket win saw Reed through, dismissing opponents Long Marston all out f

REED moved a step closer to a dream trip to Lord's after they booked their place in the Hertfordshire final of the National Village Cricket Cup, writes TOM BROWN.

A comfortable eight-wicket win saw Reed through, dismissing opponents Long Marston all out for 95, with a final now set up against Eversholt of the Saracens Herts League Division Three on Sunday, June 15.

Reed captain James Heslam said: "It was a very pleasing win, and obviously we're all thrilled to reach the final. I thought that we did very well, particularly our bowlers and fielders.

"To get them all out for 95 was a brilliant effort and after that we never looked back."

The visitors started to creak at 38 for 3 after 16 overs, with 15-year-old debutant Mitchell Cooper making one brilliant catch.

Peter Tidey (9-20-2) and Karl Ward (9-16-2) who also took a splendid catch, turned the screw further, with Richard Johnson (9-35-3) and Chris Jackson (5-20-1) in control.

Jason Archer (0.3-0-1) took the final wicket in the 33rd over.

Reed lost Baz Curtis for 4, but Phil Frenay (14) and Heslam (44 not out) steadied the ship.

When Frenay was out, Heslam and Jackson saw Reed home in the 26th over.

Heslam said: "I was overdue a few runs so personally I was pleased. But the hard work was really done in Marston's innings.

"Mitchell Cooper also impressed, having been brought in at the last minute. He took an excellent catch and looks to be a very promising prospect for the club.

"We'll now face Eversholt, who are a couple of divisions below us, but that won't make them a pushover because they knocked out Langleybury, who were one of the favourites."

Two years ago Reed won the Hertfordshire section of the Village Cup, but went out in the first round of the national competition.

Their exploits did however, attract Sky Sports, with the team featuring on Cricket AM.

Heslam said: "If we can beat Eversholt and progress to the last 32, then anything can happen. It's a massive competition and to play at Lord's would be a dream for all of us!