The term Kaiser is a German word similar to emperor in the english language. No translation was needed on Saturday as Kai, ‘The Kaiser Man of Steele’ ruled the ground wielding his ‘blade’ against the Yass Colts at O’Connor Park. Harden had a convincing 10 wicket win with Steele unbeaten on 66 in the run chase of 100. Steele did not give a chance and has been in a rare patch of form averaging over 50 in his last four innings. Harden lost the toss and the local Colts team decided to bat first.
Playing conditions were restricted as the Yass council has placed a large perimeter of deep sand around the pitch limiting bowler’s run-ups. This makes you appreciate how good Zac Allen has Roberts Park and Tim Doolan Oval in. Jeff Brown got the first wicket of the match when Dave O’Brien guided a shorter pitch ball to Ross Turner in gully. Turner dived forward and on the third attempt grasped the ball underneath his body. The final result was similar to a large white leghorn chook laying on a single egg with the largest smile on his face. A grade player Daniel Kemp came to the crease with runs on his mind, however, he had not counted on the Harden fielding. He square cut a ball to cover point and a full length diving save by Tim Herring was able to knock the ball down, while still on the ground Herring was able return the ball to wicketkeeper Todd Spackman with pin point precision and the bails were removed with Kemp still attempting to regain his ground. Kemp then had the long walk back contemplating that perhaps B Grade is not as easy as he thought. With the two main batsmen gone and the tail exposed, the decision was made that the regular non-bowlers in the team would all have a couple overs each.
Wickets were then evenly shared through a range of different bowling styles, Kai Steele accurate and straight while Ross Turner did not realise until his second over that the ball could bounce before getting to the batsman. In his third over a straight non-turning slow delivery hit off stump giving Turner his first wicket in 25 years! Other highlights of the bowling performance was Paul Potts missing an absolute soda of a catch, which technically can’t be classed as a catch as he succeeded in running under it and not laying a hand on it. Leo Tamale blotched his sportsmanship record by catching out a five year old boy (the boy’s birth certificate does indicate something slightly older). Colts were finally all out for 100. Best bowling figures for Harden were Brad McKinnon (2 for 8) and Todd Spackman (2 for 10).
Harden’s openers Kai Steele and Paul Potts had the unusual experience of facing two A-grade spin bowlers. Daniel Kemp’s left arm spin was very tight while Noidea Khan right arm leg spinners were erratic while Steele feasted on. Anything short on the leg side was dispatched by Steele to the square leg boundary and short on the off side he hit through covers. Meanwhile Paul Potts at the other end was contend to hang around and transition back to his chocolate batting status. Steele and Potts completed the rare feat (for Harden B Grade) of an unbroken 100 run opening partnership in the 24th over. Steele unbeaten on 66 and Potts on 24. Team manager Jodie Spackman was unavailable for comment this week as she chose to remain in the comfort of her air-conditioned home.
