THERE was a mixed bag of results from Harlow CC’s sides on Saturday. The 2nd XI followed the first team in drawing their fixture, although they certainly had the upper hand in a fixture they dominated.

The visitors, promotion challenging Hutton, had initial success in running out both Harlow opening batsmen including the prolific Abdul Munim. At 1-2 skipper Harry Burton must have been hoping for someone to stabilise the innings and in John Perry he had the ideal man. Perry played with typically fine technique to craft a fine innings of 75 with some very valuable support from Sunni Ali (48) and Asad Baig (30).

Late order runs from Amir Farooq (42) and Joe Riddell (23) ensured a very handy total of 273.

Joe Riddell bowled the dangerous Adam Spooner third ball but Hutton recovered with two good partnerships. Whilst the run rate never looked anything likely to endanger the Harlow total, wickets didn’t come with sufficient frequency to make a result likely. 

Jake Hikmatshah tried to change the inevitable outcome with a fiery burst of pace that claimed 4 wickets and put the result in the balance once again but Hutton decided the total was beyond them and blocked out for the draw.

Hikmatshah 4-39, Sykes 1-15, Farooq 1-22, Riddell 1-34

The only Harlow side to actually win this weekend was the Third XI who faced bottom of the table Orsett & Thurrock.

The visitors batted first but some outstanding bowling from youngster Farhad Hikmatshah (5-34), Aju Kizhakkedathu (2-31) and Matt Fisk (2-16) ensured a lowish total of 169 all out.Syed Ali chipped in with 1-35 whilst Tommy Brewster bowled some tight overs without reward.

What initially looked like a straightforward run chase became a bit of drama after the dismissal of Jon Allen for 33. Wickets tumbled but thankfully the side had Dip Basnet in fine form again as he steered the side to a 3 wicket win with 60 not out. Rizwan’s side remain in second place behind Upminster by a single point after they also won their fixture.

The 4th XI were involved in an incredible game at Buckhurst Hill 3rd XI. Batting first Harlow amassed 308-4 and declared early. Mark Quant struck a career best 154 not out as he plundered runs against a side looking to achieve promotion. Ronnie Fuller (40) and Alfie Jessey (36) offered excellent support.

Things didn’t go to play in the field however. Both Buckhurst Hill openers made a century despite Nathan McCarthy using all 10 of his bowling options. Nothing could stem the runs until George Jessey struck late on. Mark Quant managed to remove two more batsmen and a tight finish ensued but sadly the extra overs Harlow had allowed through the declaration were used by the home side to achieve the win. Some fairly bruising bowling figures all round, although Jack Fuller and Ibtisam Baig maintained a degree of control and Mark Quant finished with 2-40.

For the third week in row the Fifth XI fielded a side and were very competitive in their game against Albury at Hatfield Heath. Albury batted first and made 252-8 in 40 overs despite two wickets apiece for Oliver Telfer and Zain Hamoard. Dave Whellams bowled 7 tight overs.

In reply Harlow made 125 all out with a fine 41 from Haris Hamid, 36 from Biju Matthew and 20 for Zain Hamoard to cap a fine individual performance.