A FABULOUS five wicket performance from Alex Senior propelled Harlow First XI to a crucial win at Newham on Saturday. Batting first the top order made a solid start with Abi Farooq (42), Chris Whitworth (33) and Zabi Hakimi (22) ensuring a solid base was set at 146-4 but a collapse led to a worrying total of just 186 being the sum total of our efforts.

The nagging line and length of Senior coupled with subtle swing and nibble off the pitch was too much for a struggling Newham side as they imploded to 37-7 at one point before some lower order resistance began to make a game of the fixture. With Harlow starting to trouble themselves over a couple of missed chances Abubaker Rafiq used his pace and bounce to settle the match in Harlow’s favour as they dismissed Newham for 137 and a massively helpful 25 point win. (Senior 5-36, Rafiq 2-14, Riddell 1-28, Whitworth 1-37).

Harlow now sit in second spot in the table, just a single point off leaders Goresbrook, but the entire division is extremely tight.

Not such good news for promotion challenging Second XI at Marigolds as they were defeated by Billericay. Batting first Harlow notched 197 all out with Abdul Munim leading the way again with 62 along with Ronnie Fuller (37) and Asad Baig (28).

Farhad Hikmatshah and Bilal Javed got the Harlow bowling off to a fantastic start with three early wickets before middle order batter, Andy Smith struck a match winning 75 for the visitors. Despite three late James Mitchell wickets Billericay saw the game through for a 3 wicket win.

The Third XI were involved in a ultra tight game at Woodford Wells. Wells batted first and amassed a very useful 265-6 despite the efforts of Tyler Dobson (3-45). Credit to Rizwan and his side as they never considered dropping anchor for a draw and pursued the total with all vigour. Veteran and club legend, Simon Baulcomb, led the batting with a masterful 78, receiving excellent support from Sunny Ali (49) and skipper Riz (33). As wickets fell the game reached the final over with Harlow down to their last pair only for Abid Shinwari to make himself the hero with some big hitting to make a vital 15 not out and secure the points.

The Fourth XI drew at Buckhurst Hill. Mark Quant (4-51), Jack Sykes (3-41) and a wicket a piece for Harris Hamid and Jack Fuller restricted Hill to 210-9.

Despite a cautious start to the Harlow innings wickets fell early before a recovery operation led by Eliot Koopowitz (32) and Reece Galvin (27) before Nathan McCarthy blasted a run a ball 38 but his wicket triggered Harlow having to settle for the draw on the day.

The Fifth XI faced a youthful Broxbourne side and beat them handsomely. Harlow batted first and Ryan Williams struck a wonderful 104 and Oliver Allen 56 as they racked up 273-9 in 40 overs.