Veteran Heslam leads way with ton

REED thirds maintained their push for promotion from Division 12 of the Saracens Herts League with a substantive win over promotion rivals Stevenage. Batting first, Reed lost opener Peter Baker, before 16-year-old Fergus Martin and veteran skipper John H

REED thirds maintained their push for promotion from Division 12 of the Saracens Herts League with a substantive win over promotion rivals Stevenage.

Batting first, Reed lost opener Peter Baker, before 16-year-old Fergus Martin and veteran skipper John Heslam, 40 years his senior, set about building a formidable total.

The pair amassed a new Reed thirds record, setting a second wicket partnership of 147 before Martin was caught for 51.

Heslam continued to take the attack to the Stevenage bowlers and plundered them for a fine century which included 17 fours.

He was supported by good contributions from both Michael Robertson (20) and Masseh Naeem (28) before he was bowled for 105. Reed declared at 240-5 off only 42 overs.

In reply Stevenage struggled against the accurate Reed bowling attack. Rupert Martin (2-6) and Neil Haslam (2-23) inflicted some early damage and were well supported thanks to superb catches from Masseh Naeem and Baker.

Ian Roberts then kept Stevenage on a tight rein with 2-15 from 10 overs, before Ward's 3-10 administered the last rites to their shell- shocked opponents.

Despite recovering from 35-5, Stevenage could muster only 123 all out from their 37.2 overs leaving Reed winners by 117 runs.