Harlow CC Under-19s won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that laid the foundations for a well-earned 47-run victory over Loughton CC Under-19s.

Harlow’s innings got off to a difficult start with the loss of B Clark in the opening over, but A Jessey steadied the innings superbly. The opener played with patience and composure, making 41 from 39 balls, including five boundaries, to provide the backbone of the innings.

Useful contributions came throughout the middle order. F Crook counter-attacked with a lively 25 from 16 deliveries, while G Jessey added a valuable 26 from 21 balls to keep the scoreboard moving. As the innings entered its closing stages, T Morgan and J Fuller put a steady partnership together. J Fuller produced the standout cameo, smashing an unbeaten 33 from just 20 balls, including three sixes, to lift Harlow to a competitive 153 from their 20 overs.

Loughton’s bowlers worked hard throughout the innings, with V Sagger leading the attack with 2 for 28, while U Bilal (1 for 26) and M Lodhi (1 for 28) also picked up wickets.

In reply, Loughton never quite managed to build the partnerships needed to keep pace with the required run rate. U Bilal top-scored with 21 from 16 balls, while K Sungeen made 20 and M Lodhi contributed 16, but Harlow’s bowlers consistently struck at important moments to halt any momentum.

The wickets were shared around in an excellent team bowling display. J Fuller taking 4 and G Jessey taking 3, with further breakthroughs coming from B Clark and T Morgan, while the fielders backed up the bowlers with disciplined work in the field.

Loughton closed on 106/9 from their 20 overs, giving Harlow a deserved 47-run victory. It was a complete team performance, with Harlow recovering well after an early setback with the bat before producing a disciplined bowling effort to control the chase from start to finish.

Today showed how mature our young cricketers are becoming in setting and defending scores to win and be competitive in games. Well done to all involved it was a lovely evening down at the club once again.