Harlow 203-8 dec drew with Buckhurst Hill 194-9.

(Shepherd Neame Essex League).

In a thrilling match Harlow just fell short of recording their third successive victory of the season against Buckurst Hill.

After being invited to bat, Harlow were quickly in trouble against the pace of Aussie import Alan Cowan. Burton, Mackenzie and Munir were dismissed with only 15 runs on the board.

A gritty partnership of 67 between Terry Rist and Simon Baulcomb repaired much of the damage but when Baulcomb departed on 21 with the score on 101-5 Harlow looked destined for a low total.

But Terry Rist continued to bat superbly for an excellent 112 not out to give Harlow hope. His partnerships with Mark Green, Richard Ayrton, who managed 22, and Graham Aspinall allowed Rist to guide his side through the 200 barrier, eventually declaring on 203-8. Rists vigil lasted 182 minutes including 12 fours and one six, with Cowan easily the best Hill bowler with figures of 4-64.

On an excellent batting surface it never looked easy for Harlow to bowl Hill out. Mark Green made the early breakthrough but Harlow could only manage another wicket shortly before the last hour.

Ian Russell hit 38 and Andy Russell got a half century as Hill continued to bat very positively and stay in the hunt for victory.

Some accurate bowling and tight fielding including four run outs from Harlow ensured they took wickets at regular intervals. Cowan hit an attacking 21 and nearly took his side to victory before being brilliantly stumped by Burton.

Harlow eventually had one ball at the last batsman but it was calmly dealt with and Hill finished on 194-9 to draw the match.

Harlows wicket takers were Green with 2-50, Mayhew 2-52 and Aspinall 1-27. They finish with 12 of the 18 points available with Buckhurst Hill taking six.

Harlows second XI were also unable to force their third successive win against the same opposition.

Batting first they made 202 all out but their attack was unable to take Buckhurst Hills final two wickets and again the match was drawn.

Harlows third XI continue to improve and chasing a total of 201 they drew their match. Some solid batting held their side together and they eventually finished on 139-5.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.