Harlow won the toss and asked their hosts to bat first. Mohammed Umar Raza struck early before Jake Messenger took two wickets in two balls to restrict Ilford to 32-3. Harlow plugged away with Paddy Matthews and Chris Whitworth adding to the wicket takers before skipper Ben Yeats grabbed three quick dismissals.

One of the most promising aspects was the consistent level of application in the field that helped drag the run rate throughout the innings with Ilford closing on 183-9 in their 40 overs. Youngster George Jessey impressed with the ball despite going wicketless.

Messenger 2-37, Umar Raza 2-44, Matthews 1-15, Whitworth 1-31, Jessey 0-28, Yeats 3-14

Ilford bowlers made a very tidy start, offering nothing for the batsmen to punish, and removed both openers cheaply to put Harlow on the back foot.

Zabi Hakimi (27) and Abdul Munim (19) did well to consolidate although the required scoring rate continued to rise and when they both perished shortly after drinks Harlow looked in trouble at 75-4 with two new batters at the crease.

Gull Hassan (64*) crafted a superb innings aided by Max Baulcomb (19). Together the pair added a crucial 71 runs. When Max was dismissed further work was required in a tense finish but Gull has peerless and produced a match winning knock. George Jessey showed his class and promise to enter the fray with another 19 required but his swift 12 not out was enough to clinch the win with another over to spare.

Not a perfect performance certainly but far more positives again and Harlow showed they can find a way to win even when their most prolific run scorers aren’t able to contribute. The side move into the next round where they play Oakfield Parkonians away in Round 2.