During the match against Hutton on the 17th of May (Apologies it's taken me this long to publish!) - Jake had every reason to celebrate after the game had finished. Not only did he help his team to victory on that day, but he passed the milestone of 100 League Wickets for Harlow CC.

Jake has been a player for Harlow CC for many years now, starting as a colt and learning his trade on the hallowed Marigolds turf. He then moved over to Harlow Town for a short period before returning to Harlow CC and featuring in the 1st and 2nd XI's for many years now.

A knee operation put Jake on the sidelines for the 2023/24 seasons but Jake has come back fitter and stronger than ever this year. He has been an integral part of the success of the 2nd XI so far this season with his tight bowling and regular wicket taking.

Jake is a pleasure to have in any side, with his enthusiasm and encouragement for all clear to see. He will fight to the last moment in every match and that never say die attitude was perfect for his time as 1st XI Captain. Jake led the team and club with pride and is a true club member.

Jake has contributed to some match winning knocks over the years and isn't afraid to have a swing, eking out those final few runs setting a target for his side. His commitment in the field is amazing and you will often find him in the inner ring diving around. Across his Harlow career Jake has contributed to 49 fielding dismissals, with 43 catches and 6 run outs.

Congratulations Jake, here's to many more wickets to come!

We asked Jake to give us an insight about his cricketing career:

When did you first play cricket?
I first started playing cricket in the summer of 2006 at Harlow

What got you into cricket? Any inspiring cricketers you base yourself on?
After watching the 2005 ashes series that was the key for me getting into cricket! Definitely an inspiring cricketer for me was Flintoff after watching that series. As a young player he was the go to player to be as well or maybe even Pietersen.

How long have you played for Harlow CC?
I started in 2006 and was at Harlow for about 7 years or so then left the club for a brief spell of two to three years and have been back at Harlow since about 2016. So all in all have been at Harlow about 15/16 years!

What is your most memorable cricketing moment?
You can never beat an ashes win or another one that was up there was England's World Cup win against New Zealand in the super over in 2019

What is your most memorable cricketing moment for Harlow CC?
I have had quite a few memorable moments at Harlow! One of the top ones has to be leading the first team as captain for the two seasons I was captain! The season of 2019 in the second team what a great year that was and personally one of my best bowling years! Taking the wicket of Bangladesh test international Enamul Haque.

Any other major events/achievements/proud moments whilst at Harlow CC?
Captaining the t20 side and coming into bat with my brother and having a match winning partnership to see the team home against Walthamstow! Overall the season of 2022 when I was captain what a great group and team I had around me! A successful season which was unlucky we fell short but the team spirit was unbelievable many won't forget that day in Southend winning in style and belting out country roads in the changing room after.

Jake Messenger - Career Stats
Overs: 578.4
Maidens: 51
Runs: 2770
Wickets: 103
Best Bowling: 5 for 34
Average: 26.89

1st XI Stats
Overs: 371.4
Maidens: 30
Runs: 1992
Wickets: 56
Best Bowling: 3 for 20
Average: 34.32

2nd XI Stats:
Overs: 207
Maidens: 21
Runs: 848
Wickets: 47
Best Bowling: 5 for 34
Average: 18.04

*All stats are taken from Play-Cricket*