SATURDAY saw Harlow Town’s 1st XI take the trip to Garon Park to play against Old Southendian & Southchurch. After last week’s abandoned match Town were looking to hit the ground running in the league. Captain Daniel Farmer won the toss on a good track and chose to Bowl with the aim of securing 20 points.

Ben Eversden finished with 5 for 40 & 28 Not Out in loss to Old Souths

Both opening bowlers Suraj Chauhan and Mark Quant bowled tight and restricted the opposition early on and took the early wickets of Chris Bunce and Craddock. This brought Ahmed Khawaja to the crease. Town kept Khawaja quiet early on and took wickets regular wickets from the other end with Ben Eversden removing the top and mid order. The re-introduction of Chauhan skittled the lower order but Khawaja still stood. A last wicket partnership of 27 helped Old Souths get to 154 when Eversden finally removed James Bunce, Khawaja stranded on 66 not out which ultimately proved a pivotal knock. Eversden finished with 5 for 40 and Chauhan 4 for 39.

With Town chasing an under-par target batsman Chauhan and Ashley Alderson looked to give the solid start however Alderson fell LBW to McGarry for 4. Jibran Azam helped push the visitors 68 for 1 until the introduction of that man Khawaja impacted the match even further ripping out the top and middle order leaving Town 86 for 8 (Chauhan 59). Pat Yates and Eversden looked at sticking around to achieve a somewhat impossible feat. However slowly Town were edging closer to the target and victory was looking possible. With 8 runs required Khawaja produced a magic ball to take the edge and wicket of Yates (27) followed next ball with the wicket of Quant to result in the victory for Old Souths winning by 7 runs. A gutting result for Town but one which should help the side kick on for the next match at home to Wickford.

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The 2nd XI hosted Walthamstow at Ash Tree Field. Winning the toss, Town bowled first and skittled Walthamstow out for 115 with Sam Charles picking up excellent figures of 10-1-37-4 on his return to the club after an 11 year absence. Jack Davies finishing with 3 wickets in a good bowling and fielding performance.

In reply, Sreerag Radhakrishnan (19) and Ben Tyne (36) got Town off to a great start until they eventually fell. George Richardson (21*) and Charlie Coleman (32*) finished the game comfortably with a very solid 8 wicket win.

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The 3rd XI won a thriller away to Walthamstow, they bowled the hosts out for 118 on a tough wicket with skipper Vic Goddard taking 3 wickets. However Town saw themselves 37-7, Tristan Rees & Raju Murugaiyan chipped in with 15 & 14 but Father and Son, Vic (33*) and Toby Goddard (13*) got the side home, winning by 1 wicket.

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The 4th XI lost by 115 runs to Birchanger 2nd XI, chasing 230 at home with Birchanger’s Gliddon finishing 118.

Next week’s fixtures:

1st XI home to Wickford
2nd XI away to Woodford Green

3rd XI home to Horndon-on-the-Hill

4th XI away to Albury