THE weather was the only winner in Reed s game with Northwood Town, with heavy rain halting their surge towards the top of the Saracens Herts League Division 2. Losing the toss, Reed were put into bat, with the hosts Bushnell and Doling causing some ear

THE weather was the only winner in Reed's game with Northwood Town, with heavy rain halting their surge towards the top of the Saracens Herts League Division 2.

Losing the toss, Reed were put into bat, with the hosts' Bushnell and Doling causing some early problems for Reed skipper James Heslam (52) and Baz Curtis (25) with their unpredictable bounce and sharp movement.

When Curtis went, Heslam assumed the reins of responsibility as he and Chris Jackson (31) structured a slow but consistent partnership and took the score to 98.

The captain then went after he was caught by the Northwood wicket keeper, with Jackson soon following after an ill-considered drive rearranged his off and middle stumps.

Tom Fulk (34) and William Clarke (27) advanced the score further, with Fulk finding the midwicket boundary before his partner was caught on the ropes at midwicket.

Fulk continued his fine form with Marcus Martin (9), until he was also dismissed by another catch.

When Richard Johnson went after just one ball, the dependable Simon Jackson (16 not out) helped to take the score to 198 before Martin was bowled while trying to secure the maximum batting points at 200.

Jackson and Ed Garrott (three not out) managed to seal the maximum points, and when they did Heslam decided to declare with the Reed score on 201-8 off 51 overs.

While the clouds gathered, Clarke (3-2-5-0) opened with the new ball with Peter Tidey (3-0-15-0) bowling with his usual metronomic accuracy.

A flamboyant cameo from Northwood's Newman (19 not out) entertained the crowd, but his performance was cut short by the rain.

Both teams took 10 points, but to Reed's disappointment league leaders Berkhamsted managed to win their match to extend their lead and promotion bid.

Heslam said: "I am disappointed that the weather intervened, especially as some of the other teams in the county completed their games.

"We batted superbly and our bowlers were revved up for action.

"The result makes promotion tighter for us, but we have the players to see that it can be done.