Harlow’s last game of the season was against Ilford and it was a massive game for us as we were 5 points above relegation knowing that a win will keep us in the league for another season. Harlow lost the toss and Ilford decided to bat, we got off to a perfect start getting an early run out when Faz “tactically” misfielded the ball causing a mix up in the middle with Ronnie throwing the ball in for a easy run out. Then Jauhar picked up 2 quick wickets and Yameen also picked up 2 wickets leaving Ilford 20-5 then there was another run out just as their batsman started to look comfortable leaving them 6 down. Their captain then came in and at the other end and started to form a partnership deciding that the only way to score runs was smashing it for 6. After the 2 opening bowlers both Tyler and Faz also picked up 2 wickets each to bowl Ilford out for 95. Pretty much the perfect start for us in such an important game!!

M Yameen 2/12, T Dobson 2/14, J Afaq 2/27, F Javed 2/34

We knew that still chasing 95 was going to be tricky especially with the wicket not being very good to bat on with a lot of inconsistent bounce. We got off to a good start with Atif scoring 32 quick runs before getting out and another wicket fell with Arshad as well however both Naseer and Mashood helped us get to the total with Naseer playing a very sensible innings carefully watching the ball with Mashood absolutely smashing the ball everywhere for fun scoring a very quick 34 not out off 12 balls!! We chased down the total in 19 overs getting a massive win which meant that we stayed in the division!! Well done to everyone again for the season it was a really good team performance and also a big well done to everyone for their individual performances throughout the season!!

M Iqbal 34*, A Mustehsan 32, N Mirza 17*, A Muhammed 4

4th XI

Harlow 4xi won the toss and batted first and produced a score which was probably half what it should’ve been. The pitch was dead slow as was the outfield so few boundaries were hit throughout the day.
We totalled 134-9 in our 45 overs with contributions from Dan Whellams (32) Rob Coldwell (28) Sam Robinson (21*) and Jon Allen 19 being the only batters to reach double figures.

In response Orsett lost a wicket in the first over to a slip catch off Dan Whellams. Opposition rallied but a glut of wickets put the game on edge as we fought for pride being already relegated this term.
Paul Calver 3/25 and Sam Robinson 2/21 being the pick of the bowlers as we held our catches to produce a tense finale only to frustrated by another two embarrassing decisions not give LBW, seems this law doesn’t exist unless we’re umpiring!!

They got the total with 8 down which was in theory 9 because they had one batter less due to a nasty head injury sustained earlier in the game that our very own First Aider Paul Fisk fixed up and sent him off to A&E. Since learnt that he has had two nasty cuts glued up and a fractured cheekbone.

Another batter without wearing a lid faces looks changing consequences.
Don’t forget to wear yours, I won’t!!

Disappointing season only winning twice but an improvement on the previous season so we can take that as positive forward to next season when I hope we play in a much friendlier and more levelled division.