HARLOW took on Premier League side Hadleigh & Thundersley in the first Rnd of League Cup on Saturday at home.

Having won the toss on a lovely sunny day, Harlow elected to put the opposition into bat in this 50 over competition in what was always going to be a hard match. Harlow started well and had Hadleigh opener out for 14 with score at 34 LBW bowled Callum Sykes. This then bought in their overseas South African player Brandon Jacobs. With him at the crease the score moved on at the next wicket did not fall until the score was 104 bowled Ross Vasani ct Luke Monger. By now Jacobs had got himself firmly set at the crease punishing any loose balls.

He was finally out for 115 off 92 balls with the score at 195-3 bowled by Captain Rehman Ahmed ct again by Monger. Hadleigh continued at a steady pace with wickets had to come by and finally finished on 293-6 from their allotted 50 overs. Wicket takers where Callum Sykes with 55-2, Ross Vasani 44-2, Waheed Azam 35-1 and captain Rehman Ahmed 36-1.

In reply Harlow lost the early wicket of Luke Monger with the score on 7. Wickets fell steadily with only opener Surath Bastola scoring 31 showing any resistance. Harlow where at 123-8 and was not looking good with just the tail-end left. Up stepped the tailenders in the young bowlers of Jake Messenger, Callum Sykes and Ross Vasani who managed to take the score to a respectful 231-9 from 50 overs. A quickfire 53 for Callum Sykes from 28 balls with assisted by 33 not out from Jake Messenger and 13 not out from Ross Vasani. All in all not too bad a result against Premier League opposition, who were thankful to their South African Jacobs for his great batting performance. Harlow now start the league season next week with an away fixture at Leigh on Sea.

Harlow 5th XI also started there league campaign with a convincing win over 3 Caps CC winning by 7 wickets. Harlow scored 202-3 and 3 Caps 198-6. Carrying on good form from last season when they were unbeaten. Next up for them are Stanstead Hall & Elsenham.

2nd XI start at home against Southend-on-Sea and EMT CC with 4th XI also at home against Wanstead and Snaresbrook whilst 3rd XI are away to Upminster CC. Hopefully it will be a fruitful season for all.