Harlow Town C C v Belhus, Sat 13/ 8 facing league leaders Belhus and favourites for promotion.

TOWN knew it would be a big ask to record a much needed win to relieve their relegation worries, and with three of their four top order Batsmen unavailable, made the task doubly difficult. Belhus electing to bat first on a glorious day and a flat wicket were soon into their stride as opening brothers Danny and Joe Joyce piled on a first wicket stand of 162 before he fell to Ben Eversden, caught Shaun Alderson for 76. Ryan Wells joined Joe Joyce who went for 97, stumped Ricky McKinley off the bowling of Mohammed Ali and when Danny Norris was run out by McKinley for 8 the declaration came at 42 overs with Ryan Wells undefeated on 47 leaving Town a Target of 242.

Although a modest total, Town knew they needed a good start and at least one of the top order to record a big score. Both Shiraz Ali 58 and Billal Ali 39 got in but could not go on to the big score needed. George Richardson came and went and when talisman and skipper Joe Holland was dismissed for 12, Town found themselves at 140 for 4 and fighting a rear guard action to pick up as many points as possible. When in form all rounder Dan Farmer was unfortunately run out for 17, Ben Eversden 12, was the only other batsman to reach double figures and could not to get to the 200 required for extra points, closing in the 50th over with Belhus winning by 68 runs.

Town travel to Hutton this Saturday and with 5 returning regular first team players available for selection, are looking for maximum points .