LAST Saturday saw Harlow Town’s first XI travel away to Horndon-on-the-Hill in search of the first victory of the season. Town were asked to bat first on a ground which would be tough to score with a very long outfield. Openers Suraj Chauhan and Ashley Alderson started well putting on 49 for the first wicket until the former fell for 14.

Jibran Azam batted patiently putting any loose delivery away however once again wickets fell regularly with Chauhan chipping to mid-off for 45, follow by Gladwin, Coleman then Azam for 31. Pat Yates and Daniel Farmer looked to rebuild the innings and kicked on towards the innings finishing on 197 for 9 off their 50 overs with Captain Farmer finishing on 41 and Yates with 29.

Ben Eversden finished with figures of 10-0-39-4

In response, Chauhan picked up the early wicket Walsh, however dropped chances released any early pressure of the hosts.

Ben Eversden came in to the attack and picked up the wickets of Stone, Stitson and Sayers and the hosts were in a spot of bother.

Horndon Skipper Jeff West rebuilt the innings with Hammond (46*) and got their side just short of the target until West fell for 68. Eversden picked up the wicket of Malhotra at the end to finish with 4 for 39. Horndon-on-the-Hill finished the game winning by 4 wickets.

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The second XI continued their impressive form with a 7 wicket victory at home to Benfleet. Town restricted Benfleet to 157 for 8 from their 50 overs with Sam Charles picking up 3 wickets for 28.
Town lost the early wicket of Radhakrishnan in reply, however Ben Tyne & George Richardson batted superbly putting on 107 for the second wicket until Richardson fell for 39. Tyne fell towards the end for a brilliant knock of 85 until Jay Lowles and Shaun Alderson saw the side home putting Town top of the table.
The third XI had a comfortable win of 9 wickets at home to Hadleigh & Thundersley. Town bowled Hadleigh out for 109 with Jack Elston taking 3 for 28. In response John Simpson was the only wicket to fall for 17. Mark Griffiths (34*) and Marc Lowers (56*) finished the game inside 23 overs.

Finally the fourth XI lost by 35 runs away to Thundridge. Thundridge batted first and set 191 for 9, Paul Smith and Marko Jergic took 3 wickets apiece. In reply Town lost early wickets, however a superb knock of 50 from Alex Manning got Town to 156.

This weekend’s fixtures:

1st XI V Fives & Heronians
Basildon & Pitsea v 2nd XI
Woodford Green v 3rd XI
4th XI v Ilford Catholic