Just when one massive effort and performance was required Harlow CC First XI produced their most insipid effort of the campaign.

Knowing a win at rivals Leigh on Sea would seal a long awaited promotion it was incredibly disappointing to witness Harlow being dominated from the outset. Two months ago Harlow had totally outplayed their opponents at Marigolds so the scale of the reverse was surprising and perplexing.

Batting first the Leigh openers grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and raced along setting the tone. The Harlow bowling attack, who have been superb all season, looked meek and ineffectual for once. Only Jake Messenger was able to maintain any degree of control over the run scoring.

By the close of their 50 overs Leigh had hammered almost 300 for the loss of only 4 wickets which, perhaps critically, equalled a single paltry bowling point for the visitors.

Yeats and Whitworth added 50 for the first wicket but they fell in quick succession and the middle order folded fairly tamely. Alfie Jessey made a fine 38 but it took another lower order display of resistance led by Joe Riddell 41* and George Jessey 21 to drag Harlow to a total of 212 and 3 batting points.

All is not yet lost but my goodness Harlow have made it so much harder for themselves. They require a minimum of 7 points or a win next week away at champions West Essex or they face the horrible scenario of going into the final day of the season with matters no longer in their own hands.

Much work to do and far more resilience and resolve required to avoid missing out on a golden opportunity they’ve worked so hard to achieve.