AFTER four straight league defeats, Reed returned to winning ways with a 77-run victory over fellow Saracens Division One new boys Berkhampsted. Reed captain James Heslam won the toss and decided to bat first on what appeared to be a pitch full of runs.

AFTER four straight league defeats, Reed returned to winning ways with a 77-run victory over fellow Saracens Division One new boys Berkhampsted.

Reed captain James Heslam won the toss and decided to bat first on what appeared to be a pitch full of runs.

However, the Reed innings got off to a disastrous start when Baz Curtis was caught at mid off.

Curtis' departure brought in-from Joe Curk to the crease, and he and Heslam put on 62 in 13 overs, before Heslam was lbw to Janaway (3-76).

Curk deservedly secured his third league half -century of the season.

However, he was caught behind for an excellent 60, with Reed on 82 for 3 off 21 overs.

Useful contributions from the middle order of Tom Fulk (30), Phil Frenay (17) and Simon Jackson (21) saw the Reed score tick over and 13 not out from Lee Johnson saw the visitors to a respectable 184 for 8.

The hosts' reply was equally poor, mainly because of fine bowling from Reed openers Andy Young (3-25) and Lee Johnson (2-18), and Berkhampsted were reeling at 50 for 5 from 18 overs.

After the initial demolition, Curk and Pete Tidey (2-8) continued to cause the home batsmen problems.

Only Berkhampsted captain Herring offered any real threat with a quick-fire 17, alongside Janaway's cautious 23 not out.

Curk (3-30) eventually sent Herring packing, with the hosts finishing on 107 all out and enabling Reed to bask in the glory of their first league win of the season.

Captain Heslam said: "It was a good win and an important one for us. We've come quite close in previous weeks, and to be honest we're still finding our feet in this division.

"Moving up means the opposition is stronger and we've got to work harder to see games through.

"Our opponents have had a lot of strength in depth, but we're learning every week.

"We put 184 on the board and that was a very good total. Then we kept our composure and once again performed very well with the ball and in the field.

"The win has certainly given the players confidence ahead of this weekend's matches, particularly for those who will be involved in the Hertfordshire final of the National Village Cup at Eversholt on Sunday.

"That will be a massive game for the club, and we'll all really looking forward to it.

"Eversholt are a good side, but hopefully we can do the business and get through to the last 32 and get that step closer to Lord's.