Well here we are again. Spring is in the air and with it a general feeling of cricketing optimism that squares will be cut, outfields levelled and nets opened, maybe even club bars dusted off and 2021 will see cricketing life restored in all its glory.

A year later than planned, I’ve finally got around to putting pen to paper on the latest chapter of the history of the club from a playing perspective. Co-vid related events rather overtook me, what with losing one job and finding another that paid half the money for twice the effort and never quite found the time or inclination to dig back into the archives but with that situation resolved here we are, back in the flux capacitor driven De Lorean, arriving in the year 2000.

Embracing new beginnings of the start of the ‘Noughties’ Harlow CC took the decision to recruit their first ever paid player. The result was the clubs first ever league title as they stormed the Essex Senior League division 3 remaining unbeaten throughout. The consistent brilliance of several players dominated the honours boards week after week as they exerted their dominance. However, before we focus on the cricket let’s set the scene.

Its perhaps a moot point as to whether it marked the turn of a new century or not, I won’t bore with the details here, but it seems incredible now that there were concerns that on the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve computer systems worldwide would crash, aircraft drop from the skies and nuclear missile systems go haywire. They didn’t and life carried on with New Labour in government, led by Tony Blair, who despite a hefty majority at Westminster occasionally ran into pockets of dissent, such as infamously managing to get himself heckled and slow handclapped at the annual conference of the Woman’s Institute. Dr Harold Shipman became the UK’s most prolific serial killer and was convicted of fifteen of the suspected two hundred and fifteen murders he committed. Big Brother aired for the first time in the UK and the Tate Modern opened its doors on the South Bank.

In sport, it was an Olympic year and GB’s athletes turned in their best performance since 1920 capturing 28 medals in Sydney with eleven golds for such household names as Jonathan Edwards (triple jump), Pinsent and Redgrave (with others in Coxless Fours) and Denise Lewis (Heptathlon). France won Euro 2000 in football – England having gone out in the group stage, despite beating the most hopeless German side I’ve ever seen, a reckless Phil Neville tackle cost us in a terrible defeat to Romania having led 2-1 and only needing a draw. The old Wembley stadium with its twin towers closed for the final time. Somewhat fittingly, the last game to be played there was an abject 0-1 defeat to the Germans that saw Kevin Keegan resign immediately afterwards. He was subsequently replaced by Sven-Goran Eriksson and briefly things improved.

In cricket, Nasser Hussain’s single-minded captaincy was slowly turning around the Test fortunes of the country after an abysmal decade of results and oversaw home victories over the West Indies and Zimbabwe in which Darren Gough starred. Surrey won the County Championship, that was the first to involve the elements of promotion and relegation.

Over at Marigolds it was a wonderful season for the First XI as they traversed the entire campaign without defeat. A quarter of a century had passed since the club joined the Essex Senior League without silverware at that level and suddenly here was a Harlow side utterly dominant. It didn’t always go down well. Many an opposition murmuring and accusation of it being a ‘two-man team’ were actually grossly unfair. It’s true to say the batting was hugely dependant on what is surely the most prolific opening partnership in our history as paid gun Nilesh Odedra linked up with Terry Rist to rack up almost two thousand runs between them. Odedra scored 1152 league runs at an average of 96 whilst Rist made an excellent 735 at just under 40 a game. Often, they didn’t need much batting beyond the openers and opportunities were limited so it’s perhaps understandable that other contributions were fairly sparse on the ground with only bowling star Niraj Odedra adding significant additional runs with his 339 coming at an average of over 40 with a top score of 112*. Shab Munir made one half century (62*) but outside the Odedra brothers and Rist nobody averaged over 15 runs that season such was the dominance of the top order. The consistency of the openers was such that talented young players in the side had limited opportunities and often had to contribute through their fielding alone.

Niraj Odedra was the star of the bowling attack taking a magnificent 52 league wickets that season but he was far from a one-man band as the entire bowling attack chipped in on a regular basis. Ian Hill grabbed 37 victims and opening bowlers Paul Mayhew and Paul Lenihan took 17 and 24 respectively whilst maintaining a tight grip on the run rate. Mark Green added 11 wickets from his 7 appearances to round off a five-pronged attack.

The League campaign started in mid-May at Woodford Green with the home side batting first. The two Pauls, Mayhew and Lenihan, set the tone from the first ball with superb tight lines that had tied the batsmen down to the extent that after 10 overs the scoreboard read a meagre 10-1. Ian Hill and Niraj Odedra soon joined the fray and the quartet completed a superb team effort to dismiss the hosts for 130 with Hill (5-58) and Niraj Odedra (3-31) undoubtedly the beneficiaries of the tight spells from the opening pair (Mayhew 1-20 in 7 overs and Paul Lenihan 1-13 in 9 overs). In keeping with what was to become a familiar scene Harlow openers Nilesh Odedra and Terry Rist broke the back of the run chase with a partnership of 75 before they fell (Odedra 47 and Rist 28), the first of a clatter of five quick wickets before Baret Odedra and Lawless added 45 to see us to the win.

The following week saw a much tougher challenge from visitors Southend CC who unphased by anything the A127 could throw at them batted first and amassed a very useful 211-4 in 52 overs, with opener Parker making an undefeated 101. Rist, Munir and Green all fell quickly but Nilesh Odedra was in imperious form making his first century of the season (115*) supported by Baret Odedra (31*) but we ran out of time and overs to force the win after only been given 43 overs in reply we closed on 175-3.

A weather affected draw followed at Marigolds against Benfleet with a half century for Rist before a trip to Harold Wood. Harlow won the toss and inserted Wood and at 61-7 we probably had a cup of tea and scone on our minds when number 9 bat Sewell launched the bowling to all parts making a stunning 80 allowing Wood to reach a very unexpected 201-9. Everything we’ve seen in recent years would suggest Harlow collapse and a certain win turned into defeat but not with the 2000 version of the ‘baggy greens’. Always handy if the openers put on 129 in 27 overs as they did before Rist was run out for 47. Nilesh had it all under control however as he made another unbeaten hundred (108*) as we achieved the win in the penultimate over.

The side was under even more pressure the following week at Stanford le Hope as the home side made 235-2, opener Gray’s turn to make an unbeaten ton. No prizes for Harlow’s response. Odedra and Rist made 176 together in 26 overs before Rist was run our again, this time for 83, whilst Nilesh went on to score his third unbeaten century of the season (it was only 10th June). Game over after that despite a few cheap Harlow wickets but a massive statement had been made and clearly, we were the team to beat in Division 3 that year.

Basildon were beaten at Marigolds through a combination of another team effort in the field with wickets for Niraj Odedra (4-58) and tight spells for Mayhew (2-46), Nilesh Odedra (2-33) and Lenihan (2-21). Chasing 165 to win we had to manage for the first time that season without major contributions from Nilesh and Rist as both fell relatively cheaply but Shab Munir made his top score of the season with 62* to see us to a 7-wicket win.

Ongar proved a much more challenging nut to crack. Niraj took 5-43 and Lenihan 3-46 to restrict the opposition to 181 all out. Rist went for a duck in the second over but Nilesh and Munir added 103 to leave us well placed before both were dismissed within minutes of each other (Odedra 62 and Munir 41) triggering a horrible collapse. Lower order bats Aspinall and Lenihan survived the final tense deliveries of the contest to maintain the unbeaten run that season.

Normal service resumed the following week as we crushed local rivals Epping by 115 runs. Batting first Nilesh made 138* and Rist 63 (opening partnership of 137) to set up our total of 221-4 declared. It was far too many for the visitors as Lenihan, Niraj and Hill all took 3 wickets apiece with Mayhew producing another tight spell of 1-27 in 10 overs.

Old Brentwoods were the next victim of the Odedra/Rist combo. Five wickets for Niraj restricting OB’s to 176-6 which was handsomely knocked off in 32 overs by an opening stand of 90 between Nilesh and Terry Rist – the latter top scoring with 71 as we strolled to a 5-wicket victory.

The bowlers combined to easily see off Benfleet (Mayhew 3-37, Hill 3-22 and Niraj 4-17 plus Lenihan miserly with 0-17 off 10 overs). Nilesh Odedra made 60 in reply and that was that maximum points in the bag.

Not entirely sure what the thinking was the following week but the leading batsman in the entire league was suddenly dropped down the order to bat at 4. Shab Munir opened with Terry Rist but added only 7 before the usually reliable Rist fell LBW for just 5. Munir made 31 and Green 27 but Nilesh top scored with 46 aided by Baret Odedra chipping in with 34 we scrambled uncharacteristically to an untidy 193-8.

All five bowlers grabbed at least a wicket as Harold Wood looked down and out at 117-8 and then 132-9 but the final wicket just wouldn’t fall as Wood hung on for the draw.

Perhaps the closest we came all season to defeat followed with a fixture against Ilford CC. Batting first an attacking Ilford sides scored an impressive 260-9 inside 44 overs with middle order bat Kandola hammering a quickfire 92. In reply the openers laid the foundations for a successful run chase before Nilesh fell for 66 with 118 on the board. Terry Rist led the scoring to see us prepared for a late charge at 200-3 in the 37th over with all to play for. One over changed everything as A. Ali took a triple wicket maiden with Allen, Baret Odedra and Lawless all adjudged LBW for nought. Rist remained though and carried his bat supported at the death by a belligerent Paul Mayhew to ensure the draw.

The run of average form continued into the tricky game the following week as we hosted Ongar. Batting first we faced the uncomfortable prospect of recovering from 41-3 with Nilesh, Rist and McKenzie all back in the pavilion. You might get rid of one Odedra cheaply but not all three as Niraj batted superbly for a season best 112* and Baret made 47* as we totalled a handy 211-3.

Number three bat for Ongar S. Jefferies made 82 as the visitors closed in on victory but after his dismissal wickets fell at regular intervals to stem the scoring. The number of run outs hinted at a desperate late scramble for runs but the game went on a knife edge into the final over as Ongar closed 6 short of Harlow’s total and a third consecutive draw for the ‘baggy greens’.

Into August and the championship run in needed an injection of points as we faced struggling Epping at Little Bury Lane. More good bowling with Niraj 4-50 and Hill 3-39 the pick meant we only had 152 to chase and the old faithful openers were back in tandem adding 113 of them. Rist went for 44 but Nilesh saw it through to the end with 74* joined by Niraj who made a rapid 25* and all done and dusted by the 29th over.

Old B’s next up at Marigolds with a first ever title on the line. Lenihan and Hill took three wickets each as the visitors made 162. Where’s the copy and paste – same old story. Openers added 128 before Nilesh was caught for 74. Rist remained unbeaten, despite Munir and Baret Odedra going for 0 and 2 respectively, and saw us over the line with 67 not out.

Arguably the best game of the season followed at Southend over on Southchurch Park. The hosts made 184-8 but took 52 overs to do so leaving us around 41 overs to chase it with.

After Rist and then Munir fell cheaply Nilesh dug in and added a partnership of 90 with brother Niraj (42). At 134-3 even after losing Niraj victory looked possible but with only 8 overs left it was clearly long-handle time resulting in a clatter of wickets. Eight runs were needed from the final over with two wickets left. Nilesh took one before Mayhew was run out leaving 7 off 3 balls with Nilesh on strike and the last pair at the crease. It’s clear from the scorebook that Nilesh blocked out to secure the draw rather than go for the win carrying his bat ending on 98 not out (left scratching my head at this point!)

Woodford Green were no match as all the four bowlers used (Mayhew, Lenihan, Niraj and Hill took at least a brace each) and Nilesh knocked them off in 18 overs with an unbeaten 72 in a 9-wicket win.

Superb effort from the bowlers at Mopsies Park, Basildon saw another opposition low score. Hosts made 102 all out with Niraj 3-48, Lenihan 4-16 (10 overs), Hill 2-20 (13 overs) and Mayhew 1-11 (9 overs) strangled the life out the home side.

Phone the Harlow Star!!! Nilesh was out for 1 and Rist 19 as this week Green (28) and McKenzie (30) held their nerve for a 5 wicket win and the league title.

Final day of the league season saw an exuberant Harlow face Standford le Hope. Batting first, and in the spirit of the day, Nilesh dropped down the order to bat at 6. Several contributions from Niraj (52*), Rist (46), Baret Odedra (40) and McKenzie (37) saw us to an entertaining 230-9.

The visitors never really threatened that total although we had only allowed them the 41 overs to chase (somebody clearly didn’t fancy a first defeat of the season and who can blame them) as Niraj took four more victims as Hope ended 50 odd shy of the winning total.

A superb, unbeaten season then for our own invincibles. The majority of the side also turned out mid-week that season for the Proudlock Cup games although the Odedra brothers were notable absentees. Sawbo were beaten in the semi-final (Rist making 88) and we faced Hockerill in the final. Batting first we mustered 106 in 20 overs with Shab Munir (37) and G. Aspinall (36) top scoring. Future Harlow skipper Ryan Jessey featured in the middle order (albeit briefly that evening).

The bowlers had the squeeze on from the off and Hockerill were way off the rate at 48-4 after 13 overs as G. Aspinall (2-10) and Paul Lenihan did early damage. N. Aspinall (1-19), Williams (0-22) and Gatland (2-18) all kept the rate under control leaving first XI opening bowler Lenihan to bowl the final over with 14 required and one wicket left. Second ball he knocked over the stumps, to claim a league and cup double, as he finished with fine figures of 1-15 from 3.2 overs.

Far from the whispered accusations of being a two-man team (I assume it was meant to be the Odedra brothers) this was a team that bowled and fielded superbly all season. Mayhew and Lenihan were stingy with the new ball with consistently low run rates and good wicket hauls backed up by the wicket taking of Ian Hill (37 wickets) and Niraj Odedra, who with 52 wickets achieved the second highest aggregate for wickets in a season behind Terry Smith and in fact the most league wickets ever for the First XI in one campaign. Mark Green also chipped in handily whenever selected.

The recruitment of a paid player of the ability of Nilesh Odedra certainly had paid off. His 1152 league runs have only ever been surpassed by Ahmed Khawaja in 2010. He certainly had a very positive impact on fellow opener Terry Rist who flourished alongside him. However, one could make a case that such was the dominance of Nilesh that opportunities for our home-grown younger batsmen was restricted to such an extent as to be detrimental.

There is no easy answer to that habitual conundrum and probably never will be. Perhaps the true test of a paid player is what they offer away from the middle to a club, dragging up the performances of their peers and coaching youngsters in the net. It’s an element of our club history that will repeat itself in the final episode to come of ‘Seasons from the Past’ as we look at the only other occasion the First XI have won a title. This time with the figure of Ahmed Khawaja casting his cricketing brilliance over Marigolds in 2011 as the First XI won Division 2 leading us to the first and only period of League One cricket for the club since joining the Essex Senior League. Other names to feature that season were Andy McGarry, Nicky Baxter, new First XI Head Coach Luke Heskett and a young Luke Monger (now sadly plying his trade over at Hoddesdon CC) but more of their exploits in the run up to the forthcoming season.