HARLOW Town eased into the second round of the DukesEssex League Cup with a 4 wicket victory over London Eagles at Ash Tree Field.

Skipper Ronnie Yates won the toss and chose to bat first on a slightly damp wicket, a decision which proved pivotal in the Townies victory.

An excellent opening spell from Sam Wilson set the scene as he tore through the top order of the Eagles with his spell yielding 3 wickets for 33 runs from 6 overs, he was supported well at the other end from Ronak Patel who impressed with his spin finishing with figures of 3-11 from 7.2 overs including the final wicket of the Eagles innings courtesy of a sharp catch behind the stumps from Pat Yates.

The other Town bowlers also got a chance to get some overs in. Nabeel Akhtar (0-22 from 6 overs), Ausman Ginai (0-29 from 9 overs), Ronnie Yates (2-26 from 7 overs) and Daniel Baldwin (1-7 from 3 overs), with Town eventually bowling Eagles out for 131.

In reply the returning Shiraz Ali scored 16 on his return showing some fine technical shots, which on a drier day would’ve been better rewarded. Baldwin and Darryl Pettengell chipped in with scores of 2 and 23 respectively. Town then lost 3 wickets for 0 runs with the score at a tense 77-5, Pat Yates steadied the innings with a fine 34, Patel scored 5 before he was bowled, leaving Ginai and Yates to bring Town home, with Yates hitting a 4 pushing Town to 134-6. In the next round Town face old foes Wickford CC, the date of the game is yet to be decided.

Harlow Town 3rd XI hosted Bancroft Lions running out with a comprehensive 74 run victory thanks to a fantastic 97 not out for Joe Spiers and 49 for Sreerag Radhakrishnan. In reply Town picked up wickets throughout with a 5-fer for Dan Pullen, 2 wickets for Ashley Norcott and a wicket apiece for Dan Hawkins, Calvin Quadir, and Simon Rowell.

This week Harlow Town first XI have a mouthwatering local derby against Harlow at Marigolds with a 1230 start, this is the first competitive fixture between the team for 5 years and will be a keenly contested game.

Harlow Town 2nd XI host West Essex, whilst Harlow Town 3rd XI travel to Cloghams.