Tyler Allen hit 42 for the Hornet’s in their narrow loss to Gundaroo at O’Connor Park on Saturday
Harden were gallant in defeat and almost snatched a victory over Gundaroo in the B grade cricket preliminary final at Yass on Saturday. Harden took the game right down to the second last over before narrowly falling short in oppressive heat conditions.
Harden won the toss and decided to bowl first in 38 degree conditions with the view to bowl Gundaroo out cheaply. Anthony Mortimer and Mitch Graham got Gundaroo off to a flying start with 33 runs coming in the first 5 overs. However, Will Manwaring changed this in the sixth over when a perfect in-swinging delivery deceived Graham (5) and crashed into leg stump, the force of the ball snapped the stump in two. A bowling change with the next over saw Jeff Brown replace Marty Smith. Brown had instant success when he had Mortimer well caught by Max Spackman for 25. Spackman had to run to his left and just held onto the ball in his out-stretched arms for a spectacular catch. More was to come when in the following over Manwaring had new left hand batsmen Cameron Bale pushing at an out swinger which was caught by Todd Spackman who was sporting some nice new gloves. The game had been turned on its ear by the young Harden bowlers leaving Gundaroo at 3 for 37. With more twists and turns than a good novel, Jeremy Clark & Mitch Callagher were not only able to steady the ship but put on a 105 run partnership with a combination of good cricket shots and lofty blows. Another bowling change just before the second drinks saw Jeff Brown remove both batsmen, Clark (44) & Callagher (59), to fine outfield catches. The first by Marty Smith who held onto a diving catch while running in the same direction as the ball and the second by Simon Squire-Wilson which was a high swirling catch. Harden were again in the game at 5 for 146. Tyler Allen and Luke Brown then both chipped in with two wickets each and Gundaroo were on their knees again at 9 for 160. The last wicket stand of 38 would prove to be the match winner with Gundaroo all out for 198, Sean Egan remained not out on 34.
Harden’s innings got off to its usual solid start with Will Manwaring and Greg Brown in full control. Manwaring (10) was the first to go when he edged a short delivery from Tony Love through to the keeper. Brown and Tyler Allen then got through to the first drinks break with Harden in the good position of 1 for 44. First ball after drinks Brown (18) was out LBW to Love and from this point Harden slowly lost wickets which included Jeff Brown (0), Matt Stadtmiller (8), Kelvin Brown (2) & Marty Smith (0). The only resistance was from Allen who was finally out for 42 which left Harden at 7 for 90. All at the ground thought the end was near but did not count on the rear-guard effort by Simon Squire-Wilson, Luke Brown and Rob Bunt. Squire-Wilson and Brown were severe on anything short and just kept on finding the boundary. Brown hit two pull-shots to the boundary in the first two strokes of his innings. The heat was taking its toll on Gundaroo and their chatter started to be aimed at each other with Harden well and truly back in the game. However the 52 run partnership was final broken when Brown was out LBW to Mortimer for 27. Squire-Wilson continued to hit out and put on another 30 runs with Bunt, until the later was caught behind for 8. When Spackman was bowled next ball it left Squire-Wilson not out 46. Harden all out for 172.
Although falling 27 runs short it was an excellent performance from the young Harden team with a never say die attitude. Special mention must go to the youngest member of the team, Max Spackman who fielded his heart out. Also a special thanks to Michelle Woodhead from Binalong for coming along and acting as the official scorer for the team.
Harden’s cricket future looks rosy with this team of up and coming cricketers.
