Woodfd Green 130 ao

Harlow 133-5

Harlow won by five wkts

(Shepherd Neame League division three)

A SOLID start to the Shepherd Neame League season from Harlow saw them win by five wickets at division three newcomers Woodford Green on Saturday.

The Marigolds side were in control for most of the contest, though weaknesses in their play which cost them promotion last season re-appeared and will need to be rectified when they come up against the division's stronger sides.

Harlow fielded first with Paul Mayhew and Paul Lenihan bowling tight opening spells ? Mayhew was into his fifth over before he conceded a run.

The pressure was tightened with the introduction of the two spinners, including new signing Niraj Odedra who picked up his first three wickets in what looks sure to be a productive summer.

At the other end skipper Jed Hill bowled superbly to pick up five wickets himself. Only Nicholls (39), Malcolm (24 not out) and Rowlands (19) reached double figures for Woodford Green as they were all out for 130.

Niraj Odedra finished with figures of 3-31 off 16 overs, Hill with 5-18 off 18 overs.

In reply, Terry Rist (28) and Nelash Odedra (47) put Harlow on their way to victory with a comfortable opening partnership of 70.

However, with the weather closing in quick runs were needed to ensure victory, and here the batting weaknesses of last season re-surfaced as five wickets tumbled for 20 runs, Farringdon taking 4-17 off five overs.

At 90-5 the game was in the balance but Barat Odedra and Chris Lawless steadied the ship by putting on 43 undefeated for the sixth wicket to see Harlow home with plenty of overs to spare.

Next Saturday Harlow entertain Southend-on-Sea who finished immediately below them in the table last term.