THE unseasonal weather just about held off sufficiently for all five of Harlow CC adult sides to commence league action on Saturday.

The First XI secured a very useful victory at Marigolds over Bentley CC. Batting first in challenging conditions Harlow were indebted to openers Chris Whitworth (83) and Syed Hassan (79) for a superb partnership of 160 that formed the platform for an above par score of 238-8 in their 50 overs. 

In reply Bentley were in serious trouble of a heavy defeat at 64-5 with Harlow very much on top. Not for the first time, Bentley’s Phil Coleman showed his class as he made 74 and a run a ball alongside skipper Ashley Parmenter (62) as the visitors fought back strongly. Just as it looked as if the match was building towards a cliff-hanger of a finish Paddy Matthews dismissed the dangerous Coleman and the innings subsided to 190 all out.

Maximum points for Harlow with all the bowling attack contributing to the extent that Stewart, Senior, Matthews and Whitworth all claimed two wickets each with Hakimi claiming another and skipper Garner responsible for a run out.

The Second XI suffered a 136-run defeat at Hutton in a disappointing performance.

Better news from the Third XI who opened their title defence in fine style beating Upminster comfortably by 5 wickets. Muhammed Umar Raza starred with 4-27 with the ball and captain Rizwan Qayyum led from the front with 47 from the bat as Harlow eased to the win.

The Fourth XI defeated Loughton 3rd XI. Eliot Koopowitz mastered a challenging surface to carry his bat throughout the Harlowe innings making 70 not out from out total of 188-8. Nathan McCarthy added a very useful 38 at an important time.

Harlow bundled the visitors out for just 90 with all seven bowlers used claiming at least one wicket along with some excellent economy. Six of the seven Harlow bowlers were aged under 18 so a tremendous effort from such a young side.

Further good news from the 5th XI who comfortably defeated Hockerill 2nd XI by 8 wickets. Henry Jacques (3-28), Safi Sarajudeen (2-8) and Jawed Khan (2-21) led the way as Harlow dismissed their opposition for just 96.

Veteran John Allen (43*) and 13 year old Bill Clark (27) virtually saw Harlow home before two quick wickets fell but the victory was secured to conclude an excellent season opening set of fixtures for the club.