On Saturday 8th July the club witnessed probably both a historic and unique achievement with father, son and daughter playing together in the same team.

Can anyone else in the cricket world claim the same opportunity happening?

Father Jonny Allen, a stalwart of forty years playing alongside his son Oliver (19) and daughter Emilia (16) in a closely fought league game at Hockerill. All three scored runs and took wickets, an amazing achievement for the family and the club.

For the record, Oliver (60) and John (96*) shared a partnership of 119. With ball in hand Oliver produced figures of 5 overs 1-28 and Emilia not wishing to be left out bowled four tidy overs for 0-23.

The question was asked if we could recall any other family ties whilst playing for Harlow Cricket Club?

Certainly, as for fathers and sons or brothers, this has occurred frequently since the 1950's onwards. Such as the Whitby family with father Lew playing with his two sons Michael and David on a Whitsun tour in Gloucestershire back in the early 1970's. Michael was also a frequent cricketer for the club in his younger days and probably did play alongside his father. He certainly did so when the club organised a surprise 'retirement' match for Lew in the late 1980's.

We had cricketing brothers who loved next door to Marigolds. John and Tim Hinch and their father Len who was a regular Second XI player in the 1950's and 60's. So a good chance they played a game or two together.

Life Members have also featured with their children. Past Second XI skipper Michael Farey played alongside son Robin during his tenure. Similarly, past 1st XI captain Terry Coxhead with his son Neil.

The Prodger dynasty cannot be overlooked. Father Peter started playing for Harlow in the 1950's and as with his wife Myrtle were both Club Presidents for some time. Their three talented sons, Simon, Michael and David all played for the club at various intervals and were together in Presidents Day fixtures for either parent although not so sure Peter took much of an active playing part.

More recently, another former 1st XI captain Ryan Jessey played with twins Alfie and George and in 2017 our Fifth XI won the league title with four sets of fathers and 13/14 year old sons playing every week. Brothers John and James Tasker also played in the same side as father Simon whilst mum Jenny continues to do a fabulous job as Club Treasurer. Surely current First XI all rounder Abi Farooq must have played with current Second XI skipper dad Amir as he came up through the sides?

Then of course, who can remember James Howick and Dad Alan teaming up on a few occasions, great memories for the club and many families.

Stato Note - Can I throw Kevin, Michael and Matilda Prince into the mix? Not entirely sure they all played in the same team together at once but we've definitely had brother and sister together with Joe and Andre playing alongside sister Libby. Nevertheless, father, son and daughter a very rare and priceless piece of club history and for all to have performed so well. Chapeau to the Allen family!