Strong finish for Harlow (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Strong finish for Harlow

12:29pm Wednesday 10th September 2008 in

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Leigh-on-Sea 166-a/o
Harlow 167-9
(Division Two)

HARLOW ended the season on a high with a thrilling one-wicket victory over Leigh to secure their second straight win.

The one-time Division Two leaders – who had been on a miserable run of form that had seen them slip right down the table – made the most of the fact they were one of the few teams to play on a very wet Saturday as they went up to sixth in the final standings.

The hosts had opened the batting and despite Mark Sexton (52) getting amongst the runs found themselves all out for 166.

That was mainly thanks to Tom Worthington and Luke Heskett picking up three wickets each, while Zafir Nazir provided the main support with two.

Leigh’s T Knox (6-54) didn’t make it easy for the Marigolds men in their pursuit of that total, but the hosts managed to come home with just one wicket to spare.

That was mainly thanks to some late resistance from skipper James Butler (41) and Nazir (41*), who finished at the crease with the very brave Nicky Baxter, who managed 15 despite having to play with a broken finger, which he had sustained earlier in the game.

A happy Butler said: “It has been a very strange season for us with lots of highs and lows, and I’m just glad we ended on a positive note.”