A superbly enjoyable match on the Hertfordshire and Essex borders saw Rosaneri lose their unbeaten tag for 2008.

Harlow Town Vets won the toss and elected to bat on a well prepared strip. Their progress was slow and steady as Rosaneri whipped through the overs.

The game almost had a test match feel to it as wicket taking opportunities were limited and batsmen slowly built their scores. Eventually though an inspired bowling change from the skipper saw Andy Underwood remove both openers.

In time the runs started to accumulate and Harlow made their way to a reasonable total on a slow outfield.

The run rate was only ever at around 3 per over, but the Rosaneri batsmen made heavy weather of the chase. Mark Cox chipped in with a vital 19 at the top of the order and Shell soon got back in the grove to add a fluent and sensible 28.

The middle order wobbled and a flurry of wickets put Harlow firmly back in the match. The draw was never really a consideration and it boiled down to not running out of wickets before the runs were knocked off.

Nick Shewring came in a biffed a quick 13, and Steve Shewring picked up where he left off last week before falling lbw.

The last stand was a mature Paul Sindrey holding up an end and Jim working the runs off at the other end. Things were moving to plan with little danger, but just 4 runs short Paul was given out leg before as he looked to play his first attacking shot of the innings.

A great game with a brilliantly tight finish against a great bunch of chaps. The result may not have been ideal, but we only have to look at our batting overall to find out why.

Player notebooks to follow.