Harlow suffer 12-run defeat to Shenfield

4:12pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

CRICKET

Harlow 132 a/o
Shenfield 144 a/o
(friendly) HARLOW let victory slip from their grasp as division two newcomers Shenfield secured this friendly match victory on Saturday.

Shenfield won the toss and opted to bat.

The Harlow opening pair of Nazir and Worthington bowled well early, Worthington bowling four consecutive maidens to start the game and Nazir bowling his eight straight off and taking four crucial wickets.

Shenfield never really got going - bar a brief cameo from their number nine taking them to 144 and perhaps 25 more runs than they should have got - but still eminently chaseable on a fast-drying outfield and placid track.

Once again, Harlow started slowly and poorly with no real batter taking control - Nick Butler nicking behind to a smart catch by the wicketkeeper, Akhtar going first ball.

That left the hard work to the experienced Simon Baulcomb. He was aided in the Harlow resurgence by newcomer to the Harlow ranks, Haroon Khan.

Khan played a mature knock, putting away the bad ball and playing watchfully until he top-edged a pull shot back to the bowler for a well compiled 44.

Harlow hopes went with Khan, until Nino Calvino showed how to do it, easing to 26 not out and bringing Harlow back in the game.

Calvino eased to a calm and controlled 26 not out, with Paul Mayhew supporting him.

An unlikely victory looked on the cards until Shenfield captain bowled Mayhew, leaving Harlow all out for 132.

- Meanwhile, Harlow slipped to a 90-run defeat at home to Hainault and Clayhall in the National Cup on Sunday.

The visitors posted 237-7, despite Nicky Baxter taking three wickets.

The Marigolds men battled hard but came up short despite a fine knock of 55 from Waqas Akhtar.

Harlow will be looking to bounce back on Saturday when they entertain Fives and Heronians in their opening Shepherd Neame Essex League Division Two clash of the season.

Captain James Butler is looking forward to a positive season ahead.

He said: "We have recruited a good young overseas in 19-year-old Kiwi Tom Worthington, who has played Wellington rep cricket, and he has done very well since joining up with us three weeks ago.

"With better availibility from Zap Nazir and Luke Heskett, we should have some edge to our bowling attack, and the recruitment of Haroon Khan from Buckhurst Hill, in addition to the retention of Nilesh Odedra, should add weight to our batting lineup.

"I'm feeling very positive despite a particularly poor pre-season effort."

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