Just when things were beginning to look promising for Harlow CC’s First XI their old batting demons returned to deprive them of an anticipated victory.

Most frustrating of all is the fact Harlow dominated most of their opening league fixture away at Belhus but half an hour of unmitigated horror with the bat threw away their hard won advantage.

Belhus won the toss and elected to bat but were rocked by Harlow opening bowler Joe Riddell who struck on three early occasions. His excellent start was then driven home by young spinner George Jessey, who bowled beautifully, and Chris Whitworth both of whom took 3 wickets.

Late innings resistance from the last pair added an annoying 36 before Messenger curtailed the innings with Harlow restricting their opponents to an under par 157 all out.

Given the preseason and cup batting Harlow would have been very confident of a comfortable win but it was anything but that. Yeats nicked off early but at 27-1 Harlow looked to be on course until Chris Whitworth also edged to keeper Blake. Disastrously Harlow proceeded to lose 7 wickets for just 3 runs in an awful period of play. Most were out trying to defend but had no answer. As well as bowlers Mailey and Owen were performing, this was no overseas pro or star paid player running through the Harlow batting - just two hard working Division 3 bowlers putting the ball consistently in the right place. Harlow had no answer.

With the game lost Joe Riddell and Alfie Jessey fought a very creditable rearguard adding 42 for the 9th wicket before 17 year old Jessey fell for 26. Jake Messenger joined Riddell and the Harlow last wicket pair proceeded to add another 44 before Riddell was caught on the boundary for a well made score of 41.

Harlow closed on 117 all out and a 40 run defeat.

Successful winning teams find a way to win games under pressure. Those that don’t will be destined to continue to make the same mistakes and suffer the same results as in the past decade. A lot of what happened at Belhus was good and should have been enough to earn an important win. Instead the side now have to show some resolve and fight and get back on track on Saturday when they face Newham CC at Marigolds.

Pictured Joe Riddell 41 with the bat and 3-34 with the ball