HARLOW Town’s 2nd XI produced a spirited effort despite slipping to defeat against a strong Little Bardfield Village side in Division 3, with several individual performances offering real encouragement for the weeks ahead.

Batting first, Harlow battled hard to post 182-9 from their 40 overs, a total built around a fine counter-attacking innings from Aseem Mahmood. Arriving with the innings in the balance, Mahmood struck a composed and powerful unbeaten 54, including five sixes, to lift Harlow from a precarious 133-9 to a competitive total. Earlier, James Teale added impetus with a brisk 24, while Ash Mohammed’s 20 at the top provided a steady platform.

Harlow were hampered by regular wickets, with Callum Hymas (3-17) and Jan Gilbert (2-15) applying sustained pressure, but the lower-order resilience ensured valuable batting points were secured.

In reply, Little Bardfield demonstrated their quality with a controlled chase. Callum Hymas led from the front with an authoritative unbeaten 83, sharing a decisive partnership with Sam Register (51) that effectively took the game away from Harlow. Despite efforts from Callum Fitzpatrick and Marc Lowers, who each claimed a wicket, the hosts reached their target with more than 11 overs to spare.

While the result did not go their way, Harlow will take positives from Mahmood’s innings and their ability to post a competitive total, aspects that could prove crucial as their Division 3 campaign develops.