OLD Southendian & Southchurch bounced back to winning ways by registering a 56-run victory over Harlow Town.

Ahmed Khawaja guided Old Boys to a fourth Division Two triumph of the season, with the all-rounder hitting a century before taking five wickets.

And Old Southendian captain Andy McGarry was satisfied with his side’s performance.

“It was very pleasing to bounce back to winning ways and it was another very good effort,” said McGarry.

“We had to make a few enforced changes to the side, but we stuck to the task well and it was good that all of those who came in made a contribution to the win.

“Besides Ahmed’s obviously stellar performance, it was great to see Henry Williams come up and bowl as well as I’ve seen him, picking up three wickets including one which was particularly key.

“Also, 17-year-old Jordan Taylor came into the side and made a useful contribution with the bat and fielded very well.

“They were two big positives from the game.”

Having lost the toss, Old Boys were put into bat.

But Khawaja’s 100, before being bowled by Suraj Chauhan, built the foundations for Old Southendian’s innings.

Khawaja scored more than half of Old Southendian’s runs as the visitors were all out for 199.

And Khawaja also shone with the ball in hand as he took 5-30 and Harlow Town were dismissed for 143.

Williams recorded fine bowling figures of 3-32, while McGarry took 2-31.

Old Southendian have made an encouraging start to the campaign and sit second in the standings.

And McGarry felt he learnt plenty about his side as they reacted to their first setback of the season.

The Old Southendian skipper added: “I learnt that we have a fair pool of players that I can select from, who can all come in to the side and do a job for me.

“A number of players have surprised me this year and have shown a good deal of improvement from last season.

“As a group, while nobody other than Ahmed made a big score, several aided us in making useful partnerships with him that enabled us to get to a very competitive total.

“I’m hoping that carries on.”