HARLOW’S First XI crucially defeated bottom of the table Ardleigh Green on Saturday. Batting first they found themselves in a world of trouble at 73-6 but were saved by 39 from Sergio Fedee and then a vital eighth wicket partnership between Alex Senior (20) and Matt Fisk (39).

The lower order helped propel Harlow’s score to 166 all out, but despite the late rear guard action it remained an under par total to defend.

The visitors made a fine start and reached 31 without loss only to collapse under the pressure of the Harlow bowling led by Alex Senior. Alex had the ball on a proverbial string, nibbling it both ways as he struck six times. Backing him up with a hostile spell was Abi Farooq who unsettled the opposition batsman to the extent chest guards were being rushed out onto the field.

The combined bowling effort proceeded to run through the Ardleigh batting dismissing them for just 83 with Senior star of the show with 6-29.

The Second and Third XI suffered frustration with their opposition both batting negatively to claim draws in their respective matches.

The Second XI batted first and made 223 all out primarily thanks to Zabi Hakimi (65) and Amir Farooq (60). In reply, Gidea Park lost regular wickets and didn’t truly threaten the Harlow total with three wickets for Paddy Matthews and a brace for Farhad Hikmatshah. Ben Terrington excelled behind the stumps taking five catches but alas some late blocking by tail enders was enough for a draw game.

The top of the table Third XI were left even more frustrated in their fixture against Ilford. Having made 259-7 with Dip Basnet (80), Sunny Ali (62) and Atif Mustehsen (40) the leading lights Harlow grabbed three quick wickets at the start of the Ilford innings. From just 7 overs in Ilford decided the chase was beyond them and successfully defending the game out for a draw much to the frustration of skipper Rizwan.

The Fourth XI put on a superb display away at Belhus and claimed the full 25 maximum points with a bat first victory. Harlow recovered from the early loss of both openers to recover thanks to Ben Seary striking 72 and Harris Hamid 46*. Tijo George (33) and Mark Quant (25) added support as we posted 243-7.

An all round outstanding bowling display led by the skipper, Mark Quant who took 4-23, proved too much for the opposition who could only muster 120 in reply. Every bowler played their part with some fabulous figures such as George Jessey 3-26 (10 overs), Ben Seary 1-17 (6 overs), Harris Hamid 1-15 (6 overs), Jack Fuller 0-1 (5 overs) and Libby Riddell 1-27 (4 overs).