REED thirds suffered a setback on Saturday with a disappointing nine wicket defeat against Sawbridgeworth fourths. Having lost the toss Reed were put it into bat with openers Peter Baker and Aiden Swain putting on 66 in 15 overs, before Baker went for a

REED thirds suffered a setback on Saturday with a disappointing nine wicket defeat against Sawbridgeworth fourths.

Having lost the toss Reed were put it into bat with openers Peter Baker and Aiden Swain putting on 66 in 15 overs, before Baker went for a well-worked 31.

Tom Greaves then joined Swain and the pair continued to build Reed's total with some fine shots. However, the promising partnership was spoiled when Greaves (15) missed a straight ball to leave Reed on 93 for 2 off 23 overs.

With the eventual loss of Swain (52) Reed were very much in trouble, with only John Kershaw (16) offering any resistance before he was beautifully caught.

However, Mitchell Cooper (18) and Kallum Ward (5) added 20 off the last over, including two fine sixes from Cooper, and Reed finished on 165 for 8.

In reply, Chisnell (68) and Stead (82 not out) quickly went about the task, with the Reed fielders becoming increasingly demoralised by the quick singles and fine shots that found the short boundaries.

Even with a good rotation of Reed's bowling talent, no one seemed able to dislodge either batsman.

Only Mitchell Cooper (8.4-0-30-1) on his second spell made a breakthrough, having the ball lobbed up to Alan Ward.

By this point though the damage was already done and the winning runs soon came, with Sawbridgeworth ending on 166 for 1 off 32.4 overs.