What a difference a week makes. Two poor sets of results over the previous fortnight had led to some ill advised public grumbling on social media about the fortunes of Harlow's adult sides but after a very positive T20 Cup win the First XI bounced back to comprehensively outplay Newham at Marigolds on Saturday.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat, but Harlow were off to the perfect start with early wickets for pace duo Abi Farooq (4-24) and Abubaker Rafiq (2-24). All rounder Chris Whitworth maintained his excellent form by making a significant contribution with four wickets of his own as Newham floundered to 95 all out.

Harlow made short work of the run chase, losing just two wickets, as Whitworth saw the side to the 20 points with an unbeaten 48.

The Second XI also returned to form with a fine win at Loughton. Batting first they amassed 210 with Rizwan Qayyum (pictured) leading the way with 60, supported by Waheed Adam (46) and late runs from Sunni Ali (24*) and Paddy Matthews (22).

Loughton never looked likely to chase down the total and were dismissed for 139 with a fine bowling effort across the side with wickets for Farhad Hikmatshah (3-27), Paddy Matthews (2-24), Waheed Adam (2-18), skipper Amir Farooq (2-9 from 7 overs) and Abid Shinwari (1-23).

The Third XI won for the first time in this campaign as they overcame Ilford on Spicers. The visitors batted first and made a competitive 170 all out. Tyler Dobson led the way with 3-55 supported by Faisal Javed (2-23) and Jack Fuller (2-29). Bilal Javed and George Jessey also claimed a wicket each.

In a tight game, Harlow did well to maintain their nerve despite losing wickets just as they reached a position of relative comfort. Ultimately, it was youngster Jack Fuller who played maturely to see the side home with an undefeated 33 after Simon Balcombe (34), Alfie Jessey (31) and Naseer Mirza (25*) had made highly useful contributions.

The Fourth XI weren't able to mark the day with their own first win of the season at Chelmsford. The home side made 198 batting first as Sam Robertson (3-41) and Oliver Allen (2-28) proved effective.

Ronnie Fuller made 39 to lead the reply with Jack Sykes 29 and Irfan Oryakhel 22 not out but Harlow could only total 152 to slip to the reverse.

The Fifth XI were defeated at Little Mundon. No details as yet on this one.

A much more positive week and maybe the weather will finally decide it's actually summer to match Harlow's improving fortunes on the field.