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Mid Term Season Summary
Craig Messenger29 Jun 2019 - 11:01
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By Andy Yeats with HCC Vice Presidents club.
Mid Term Summary of cricket with Harlow Cricket Club
By Andy Yeats in conjunction with the Harlow CC Vice Presidents Club
The Shepherd Neame league season is approaching the halfway point in the next fortnight and it is clearly evident at this point that the club is enjoying a far more fruitful campaign across the board in comparison with recent years. Four of our five adult Saturday sides are firmly in the mix for promotion with the other performing consistently well and safely in mid table.
The club has a new First Team captain in Ryan Jessey who promotes the importance of team spirit, good preparation and professionalism but in an environment where the players can enjoy themselves on and off the field.
"It's a great honour to captain this club, which means a lot to my family who have been connected to this club for many years"
RYAN JESSEY
Perhaps even more importantly than results on the pitch, there is a broad acknowledgment that the atmosphere and togetherness within the club has improved. One only has to witness the size of the home support for recent matches at Marigolds, for example, a subject commented upon by several visiting players as one indicator but equally the way in which each team turns out after their game has ended to cheer on others within the club is hugely encouraging. In recent weeks virtually the entire first Xl were on the boundary edge on Spicers supporting a Dave Whelhams inspired 4th Xl who remarkably took four late wickets to win one of their games whilst the I's themselves received significant encouragement in their cliff hanger against Leigh-on-Sea as Ryan Jessey and Mitch Howarde tried to steer the side to a crucial win.
Initiatives such as the pre-match breakfast club and team hosting evenings have also been well supported and engender a collectiveness across the board.
There can be no doubt that the significant upturn in results this season will have been a
contributing factor. In the aftermath of a pretty dire season in 2018, which saw an unprecedented four sides relegated, the club are to be congratulated in the recruitment of Jason McNally & Sarfraz Ahmed to the First Xl. Both are not just outstanding cricketers, of
Published by the HCCVPC — June/19
that there is no doubt, but also terrific characters and role models especially for the younger players. Their input on the coaching field and in the nets has been felt amongst the Colts and senior players alike.
"Getting recruitment right was a huge issue for vice-captain Luke Monger and myself. We sat down worked out what we needed to add to the squad of players we already had. We have been massively impressed with both Sarfraz and Jason and feel they have been an enormous bonus to the club" RYAN JESSEY
The inclusion of Jason & Sarfraz in the First Xl has clearly strengthened the side with the ripple effect being felt across the sides with far fewer examples of players being asked to play above their ability level to fill gaps. A stronger First Xl has led to a far more experienced and battle hardened Second Xl and so on.
So, what of performance on the field then?
The First Xl currently sit in third position, a mere eight points behind Westcliff-on-Sea who they have yet to face. In truth, they could and probably should actually be sat on top of the division, but just failed to chase down 229 to defeat rivals Leigh-on-Sea last weekend thereby missing out on overhauling the two Southend based sides. That said, they have produced some devastating performances and look especially strong in the bowling department where fierce competition for places has certainly driven individuals to deliver. Joe Riddell and Luke Monger appear to have become the favoured new ball option for skipper Ryan Jessey and without exception the opposition have been on the back foot both in terms of run scoring and losing early wickets.
"Early on in the season I tried different opening bowling partnerships and we couldn't quite get one right that workedfor the style of cricket we intended to play. Joe and Luke have come together and really hit the ground running and get teams on the back foot straight away which allows us to build pressure from the outset"
RYAN JESSEY
Joe Riddell has the best economy rate of any bowler in the division whilst Sarfraz is one of the leading wickets takers with 19 victims to date including two
'Five For's'. Mitch Howarde (13 wickets), Luke Monger (12 wickets) and Jason McNally (11) wickets have all contributed to an attack that has on four occasions bowled sides out for less than 120.
Leading wicket taker
Sarfraz Ahmed
All-rounder Jason McNally has led the way with the bat with 282 runs at an average in excess of 70 and a strike rate of well over a run a ball. It is not just the volume of Jason's runs but the manner in which he scores them, brutally attacking almost from the off that has already led to his reputation spreading across the county. House prices in Chippingfield may yet take a downturn this summer if he continues to dispatch the bowling over the scoreboard at his current
frequency! Take cover Chippingfield! McNally is about to launch another one!
Batting in a different style but almost as effectively have been Ben Yeats and Rehman Ahmed. True to his word when being made captain Ryan promised to promote and give opportunity to young players with talent and this has certainly born fruit in the case of 16-year-old Ben. Having impressed in pre-season, in particular when scoring a brisk half century against the First Xl for the Seconds, Ben was promoted to the side and appears to be growing in confidence by the week having already scored 219 runs this season at First Team level at an average at just under 40 and is in the Top Ten Run Scorers across all sides within our division. Examples such as this send a fantastic message to all within the Colts section that with the right attitude and commitment talent will be recognised and promoted at this club.
Yeats drives for a boundary at Broxbourne CC
"l am massively pleased with the emergence of young opening batsman, Ben Yeats, who initially came into the side batting at 4 or 5 and bided his time and now looks very comfortable opening the batting and is building a good partnership with Lee who is guiding him nicely. / do like the left and right hand opening combination"
RYAN JESSEY
Former captain of the club Rehman has found form again and is a consistent run scorer totalling 175 so far this season at an average of almost 44. There is little doubt his volume of runs would be greater but for limited opportunities in some games where we have been chasing straightforward targets but he appears back to his best, strong in defence but capable of hitting a bowler out the ground when the need arises. Yeats drives for a boundary at Broxbourne CC If there is one question mark over this side it is can they get over the line under pressure in tight games, especially when batting second. It is hoped that the very welcome return of Alan Jones to the club will help towards overcoming these issues. Hugely talented, Alan is reunited with his former team mates having completed his A levels and comes with a year's experience of playing in the Premier Division for Shenfield CC.
"We are well placed with Westcliff still to play in both formats. Our aspirations and goals have not changed in the slightest. We want promotion and will do all we can to achieve
that"
RYAN JESSEY
Plenty Of fun in the 2 nd Elsewhere, a Rob Coldwell led Second Xl are having an exceptional season and currently sit top of their division with a single and highly controversial defeat the only blot on their record. Nevertheless, five wins from seven fixtures sees them with a 22-point cushion to Westcliff-on-Sea who are sat in third outside the automatic promotion places. One only has to look at their team sheet on a Saturday to recognise the strength in the side with the vast majority having plenty of first team experience. It says something about the strength of the club this year that former first team regulars currently find themselves in Rob's side but to their immense credit they have performed admirably and continue to deliver the goods despite their personal disappointment.
Leading run scorer is wicket-keeper batsmen John Perry with 230 runs at an average of 46. Also, significantly contributing have been Zabi Hakimi (211 runs), Sunni Ali (178 runs) and all rounder Callum Sykes (155 runs at an average of over 77). Also worthy of mention is Syed Mughees Hassan who averages 55
John Perry leading the way with for the side and also featured in several first team fixtures
the bat for the Second Xl where he acquitted himself well.
The bowling workload has been evenly spread with three players having taken 10 wickets namely Lewis Aldred, Jake Messenger and 16-year-old Matt Hart whilst Waheed Azam has 9 to his name. The form of Jake Messenger is eye catching, bowling off spin whilst maintaining an economy rating of almost 3 runs per over and a season best of 5-38. Matt Hart meanwhile has jumped three sides coming from last year's 5th Xl, where he won U18 Player of the Year in his division, into the 2's so it is to his huge credit that he has adapted so quickly to that level.
Certainly a thriving 3 rd XI
The Third Xl have the stiffest test of all the sides in that they perform in the 3 rd Xl Premier Division against many of the strongest clubs in the county. Many of the players who were instrumental in the success of that side over the years now play at a higher level within the club so Faisal Javed is to be congratulated on the mid table position currently held by his charges. Fas himself is the leading run scorer with 222 including a season high 110 and others have chipped in around him.
Their strength probably lays in the bowling attack with the experienced Amir Farooq leading the way with 13 wickets at an average of 9.5 runs per wicket. Other contributions have come from Dan Stone (10 wickets), Thomas
Smith-Hughes (8 wickets) and Tyler Dobson (7 wickets).
Amir Farooq in typical attack mode
4th Xl Doing the business in a lofty league
The Fourth Xl have the task of facing other clubs Third Xl's most weeks due to their lofty league position in 3 rd Xl Division 3 and yet they have won five from their opening seven fixtures and sit in second place 21 points above third placed Stanford Le-Hope CC. Arguably the most exiting side to watch at the club there never seems to be a dull moment with some crazy climaxes to their games. The two defeats have both been very avoidable and yet they have won games they had no right to such as last Saturday's clash when from the ruins of 60 odd for 5 Amir Farooq hammered 121 to get them to a defendable target and then proceeded to take six wickets to clinch the win.
Asad Baig remains the leading run scorer despite being promoted up the sides after scoring 162 runs in three matches including a superb 123. A clutch of players have scored just over a hundred runs which shows the general strength of their line-up. Wickets have been likewise shared about the side with Mustafa Zaman leading the way with 9 including a season best 524.
Who knew a 50+ year old could jump so high?
"Come on Dad, get those boots out and play cricket with me"
5th Xl - extensive blend of youth and a little maturity!
A very youthful 5th Xl are having an excellent season in the HECL. The title winning side of Jack Sykes broke up at the end of 2017 as the talented youngsters moved up the sides and their fathers hung up their boots and in truth last season's team were left on a hiding to nothing with frequent struggles to fill the side against stronger sides playing in that higher division. Last year's relegation now seems like a God send as the evolution of the team starts again with a new exiting crop of youngsters, many only 13 years old, playing alongside some experienced campaigners such as the still highly capable Jonny Allen. The side have been a revelation winning five out of eight league fixtures to sit in third place in a division featuring many 1st & 2 nd Xl's from local clubs.
Jon Allen will forgive the fact I'm sure, that despite his own 230 runs, the most impressive performer with the bat has been 13-year-old James Forde with 229 runs (including a maiden adult 100) at an average of over 57. Added to that James has also taken 9 wickets just behind leading wicket taker Russ Davies (probably no longer an under 13) who has 10 victims. Youngster Ronnie Fuller has scored over 100 runs with the bat whilst taking 9 wickets with his deft spin, whilst Colts Matthew Fisk has 8 wickets, Oliver Allen 7 and Paddy Matthews also 7.
"The emergence of young talent is evident to see throughout the club. If you look at the 5's they field a very young side of talented players and examples, such as Zain Munir being promoted to the 4 th Xl, shows progression for these boys. In the younger age groups, we have Kobi Richmond, Joe Radford, Alfie Jessey and George Jessey all representing Essex at county level which is brilliant for themselves and the club"
RYAN JESSEY
It is certainly far too early to start counting chickens or putting the Presidents champagne on ice but whisper it quietly — four sides have very real opportunity to get promoted this season and in doing at a stroke would repair the damage of 2018. Whatever happens, Harlow CC is on the up on and off the field. The players thank you for your continued support and look forward to a successful 2019 season.
..and another wicket for our 2nd Xl
A couple of centuries for or U12's Trophy Team!
Finally, there has been some exciting cricket in recent matches in the Brian Taylor Trophy for our Under 12 Xl with young Joe Radford scoring a century in the first two matches and a 78 in the 3 rd game. He is currently ranked top of the County U12's and also made Essex young players 'hall of fame'. He is in the Essex development squad and touring with them in August. The next round of this competition is being played at Marigolds on Sunday 30th . Check out the start time and come along and watch.
Further news from Marigolds!
By Andy Yeats in conjunction with the Harlow CC Vice Presidents Club
The Shepherd Neame league season is approaching the halfway point in the next fortnight and it is clearly evident at this point that the club is enjoying a far more fruitful campaign across the board in comparison with recent years. Four of our five adult Saturday sides are firmly in the mix for promotion with the other performing consistently well and safely in mid table.
The club has a new First Team captain in Ryan Jessey who promotes the importance of team spirit, good preparation and professionalism but in an environment where the players can enjoy themselves on and off the field.
"It's a great honour to captain this club, which means a lot to my family who have been connected to this club for many years"
RYAN JESSEY
Perhaps even more importantly than results on the pitch, there is a broad acknowledgment that the atmosphere and togetherness within the club has improved. One only has to witness the size of the home support for recent matches at Marigolds, for example, a subject commented upon by several visiting players as one indicator but equally the way in which each team turns out after their game has ended to cheer on others within the club is hugely encouraging. In recent weeks virtually the entire first Xl were on the boundary edge on Spicers supporting a Dave Whelhams inspired 4th Xl who remarkably took four late wickets to win one of their games whilst the I's themselves received significant encouragement in their cliff hanger against Leigh-on-Sea as Ryan Jessey and Mitch Howarde tried to steer the side to a crucial win.
Initiatives such as the pre-match breakfast club and team hosting evenings have also been well supported and engender a collectiveness across the board.
There can be no doubt that the significant upturn in results this season will have been a
contributing factor. In the aftermath of a pretty dire season in 2018, which saw an unprecedented four sides relegated, the club are to be congratulated in the recruitment of Jason McNally & Sarfraz Ahmed to the First Xl. Both are not just outstanding cricketers, of
Published by the HCCVPC — June/19
that there is no doubt, but also terrific characters and role models especially for the younger players. Their input on the coaching field and in the nets has been felt amongst the Colts and senior players alike.
"Getting recruitment right was a huge issue for vice-captain Luke Monger and myself. We sat down worked out what we needed to add to the squad of players we already had. We have been massively impressed with both Sarfraz and Jason and feel they have been an enormous bonus to the club" RYAN JESSEY
The inclusion of Jason & Sarfraz in the First Xl has clearly strengthened the side with the ripple effect being felt across the sides with far fewer examples of players being asked to play above their ability level to fill gaps. A stronger First Xl has led to a far more experienced and battle hardened Second Xl and so on.
So, what of performance on the field then?
The First Xl currently sit in third position, a mere eight points behind Westcliff-on-Sea who they have yet to face. In truth, they could and probably should actually be sat on top of the division, but just failed to chase down 229 to defeat rivals Leigh-on-Sea last weekend thereby missing out on overhauling the two Southend based sides. That said, they have produced some devastating performances and look especially strong in the bowling department where fierce competition for places has certainly driven individuals to deliver. Joe Riddell and Luke Monger appear to have become the favoured new ball option for skipper Ryan Jessey and without exception the opposition have been on the back foot both in terms of run scoring and losing early wickets.
"Early on in the season I tried different opening bowling partnerships and we couldn't quite get one right that workedfor the style of cricket we intended to play. Joe and Luke have come together and really hit the ground running and get teams on the back foot straight away which allows us to build pressure from the outset"
RYAN JESSEY
Joe Riddell has the best economy rate of any bowler in the division whilst Sarfraz is one of the leading wickets takers with 19 victims to date including two
'Five For's'. Mitch Howarde (13 wickets), Luke Monger (12 wickets) and Jason McNally (11) wickets have all contributed to an attack that has on four occasions bowled sides out for less than 120.
Leading wicket taker
Sarfraz Ahmed
All-rounder Jason McNally has led the way with the bat with 282 runs at an average in excess of 70 and a strike rate of well over a run a ball. It is not just the volume of Jason's runs but the manner in which he scores them, brutally attacking almost from the off that has already led to his reputation spreading across the county. House prices in Chippingfield may yet take a downturn this summer if he continues to dispatch the bowling over the scoreboard at his current
frequency! Take cover Chippingfield! McNally is about to launch another one!
Batting in a different style but almost as effectively have been Ben Yeats and Rehman Ahmed. True to his word when being made captain Ryan promised to promote and give opportunity to young players with talent and this has certainly born fruit in the case of 16-year-old Ben. Having impressed in pre-season, in particular when scoring a brisk half century against the First Xl for the Seconds, Ben was promoted to the side and appears to be growing in confidence by the week having already scored 219 runs this season at First Team level at an average at just under 40 and is in the Top Ten Run Scorers across all sides within our division. Examples such as this send a fantastic message to all within the Colts section that with the right attitude and commitment talent will be recognised and promoted at this club.
Yeats drives for a boundary at Broxbourne CC
"l am massively pleased with the emergence of young opening batsman, Ben Yeats, who initially came into the side batting at 4 or 5 and bided his time and now looks very comfortable opening the batting and is building a good partnership with Lee who is guiding him nicely. / do like the left and right hand opening combination"
RYAN JESSEY
Former captain of the club Rehman has found form again and is a consistent run scorer totalling 175 so far this season at an average of almost 44. There is little doubt his volume of runs would be greater but for limited opportunities in some games where we have been chasing straightforward targets but he appears back to his best, strong in defence but capable of hitting a bowler out the ground when the need arises. Yeats drives for a boundary at Broxbourne CC If there is one question mark over this side it is can they get over the line under pressure in tight games, especially when batting second. It is hoped that the very welcome return of Alan Jones to the club will help towards overcoming these issues. Hugely talented, Alan is reunited with his former team mates having completed his A levels and comes with a year's experience of playing in the Premier Division for Shenfield CC.
"We are well placed with Westcliff still to play in both formats. Our aspirations and goals have not changed in the slightest. We want promotion and will do all we can to achieve
that"
RYAN JESSEY
Plenty Of fun in the 2 nd Elsewhere, a Rob Coldwell led Second Xl are having an exceptional season and currently sit top of their division with a single and highly controversial defeat the only blot on their record. Nevertheless, five wins from seven fixtures sees them with a 22-point cushion to Westcliff-on-Sea who are sat in third outside the automatic promotion places. One only has to look at their team sheet on a Saturday to recognise the strength in the side with the vast majority having plenty of first team experience. It says something about the strength of the club this year that former first team regulars currently find themselves in Rob's side but to their immense credit they have performed admirably and continue to deliver the goods despite their personal disappointment.
Leading run scorer is wicket-keeper batsmen John Perry with 230 runs at an average of 46. Also, significantly contributing have been Zabi Hakimi (211 runs), Sunni Ali (178 runs) and all rounder Callum Sykes (155 runs at an average of over 77). Also worthy of mention is Syed Mughees Hassan who averages 55
John Perry leading the way with for the side and also featured in several first team fixtures
the bat for the Second Xl where he acquitted himself well.
The bowling workload has been evenly spread with three players having taken 10 wickets namely Lewis Aldred, Jake Messenger and 16-year-old Matt Hart whilst Waheed Azam has 9 to his name. The form of Jake Messenger is eye catching, bowling off spin whilst maintaining an economy rating of almost 3 runs per over and a season best of 5-38. Matt Hart meanwhile has jumped three sides coming from last year's 5th Xl, where he won U18 Player of the Year in his division, into the 2's so it is to his huge credit that he has adapted so quickly to that level.
Certainly a thriving 3 rd XI
The Third Xl have the stiffest test of all the sides in that they perform in the 3 rd Xl Premier Division against many of the strongest clubs in the county. Many of the players who were instrumental in the success of that side over the years now play at a higher level within the club so Faisal Javed is to be congratulated on the mid table position currently held by his charges. Fas himself is the leading run scorer with 222 including a season high 110 and others have chipped in around him.
Their strength probably lays in the bowling attack with the experienced Amir Farooq leading the way with 13 wickets at an average of 9.5 runs per wicket. Other contributions have come from Dan Stone (10 wickets), Thomas
Smith-Hughes (8 wickets) and Tyler Dobson (7 wickets).
Amir Farooq in typical attack mode
4th Xl Doing the business in a lofty league
The Fourth Xl have the task of facing other clubs Third Xl's most weeks due to their lofty league position in 3 rd Xl Division 3 and yet they have won five from their opening seven fixtures and sit in second place 21 points above third placed Stanford Le-Hope CC. Arguably the most exiting side to watch at the club there never seems to be a dull moment with some crazy climaxes to their games. The two defeats have both been very avoidable and yet they have won games they had no right to such as last Saturday's clash when from the ruins of 60 odd for 5 Amir Farooq hammered 121 to get them to a defendable target and then proceeded to take six wickets to clinch the win.
Asad Baig remains the leading run scorer despite being promoted up the sides after scoring 162 runs in three matches including a superb 123. A clutch of players have scored just over a hundred runs which shows the general strength of their line-up. Wickets have been likewise shared about the side with Mustafa Zaman leading the way with 9 including a season best 524.
Who knew a 50+ year old could jump so high?
"Come on Dad, get those boots out and play cricket with me"
5th Xl - extensive blend of youth and a little maturity!
A very youthful 5th Xl are having an excellent season in the HECL. The title winning side of Jack Sykes broke up at the end of 2017 as the talented youngsters moved up the sides and their fathers hung up their boots and in truth last season's team were left on a hiding to nothing with frequent struggles to fill the side against stronger sides playing in that higher division. Last year's relegation now seems like a God send as the evolution of the team starts again with a new exiting crop of youngsters, many only 13 years old, playing alongside some experienced campaigners such as the still highly capable Jonny Allen. The side have been a revelation winning five out of eight league fixtures to sit in third place in a division featuring many 1st & 2 nd Xl's from local clubs.
Jon Allen will forgive the fact I'm sure, that despite his own 230 runs, the most impressive performer with the bat has been 13-year-old James Forde with 229 runs (including a maiden adult 100) at an average of over 57. Added to that James has also taken 9 wickets just behind leading wicket taker Russ Davies (probably no longer an under 13) who has 10 victims. Youngster Ronnie Fuller has scored over 100 runs with the bat whilst taking 9 wickets with his deft spin, whilst Colts Matthew Fisk has 8 wickets, Oliver Allen 7 and Paddy Matthews also 7.
"The emergence of young talent is evident to see throughout the club. If you look at the 5's they field a very young side of talented players and examples, such as Zain Munir being promoted to the 4 th Xl, shows progression for these boys. In the younger age groups, we have Kobi Richmond, Joe Radford, Alfie Jessey and George Jessey all representing Essex at county level which is brilliant for themselves and the club"
RYAN JESSEY
It is certainly far too early to start counting chickens or putting the Presidents champagne on ice but whisper it quietly — four sides have very real opportunity to get promoted this season and in doing at a stroke would repair the damage of 2018. Whatever happens, Harlow CC is on the up on and off the field. The players thank you for your continued support and look forward to a successful 2019 season.
..and another wicket for our 2nd Xl
A couple of centuries for or U12's Trophy Team!
Finally, there has been some exciting cricket in recent matches in the Brian Taylor Trophy for our Under 12 Xl with young Joe Radford scoring a century in the first two matches and a 78 in the 3 rd game. He is currently ranked top of the County U12's and also made Essex young players 'hall of fame'. He is in the Essex development squad and touring with them in August. The next round of this competition is being played at Marigolds on Sunday 30th . Check out the start time and come along and watch.
Further news from Marigolds!
Further reading