Martin Brown sends one down to square leg.

Cricket in Harden Murrumburrah kicked into gear for the 2019-2020 Season last Saturday in blustery wind conditions. For possibly the first time ever, there are now two of our local teams in the Yass Sweeney Cup C  grade Competition. Harden Hornets and the Murrumburrah Bowling Club.

Tim Doolan Oval saw the Hornets take on Boorowa Gators. Harden’s Captain Kai Steele was successful with the coin toss and his side elected to bat first. Kai himself marched out with Martin Brown who is on leave from the Barossa Valley and the pair began batting. The second ball faced saw Steele bowled. Later stating “That’s the first duck I’ve had in four seasons.”

It was a blessing in disguise in one way as Jeff Brown came in to join his brother and the pair began hitting the bowlers to all parts of the ground. The score quickly raced to 70 before Jeff was caught out for a well compiled 28 runs.

James Woodhead strode out but just as quickly departed the scene for just 5 clean bowled. A newcomer to the Hornet’s team, was then in batting at 5 and he began scoring freely, stroking shots all around Doolan Oval. When he was caught out in the covers, Nathan had registered 41 runs in the Harden score book. Opener Martin Brown had been the mainstay of the batting. When Martin was out caught out for 55 the Harden tally was on 4 for 113 runs. Beau Abnett added 9 and Jack Glover contributed 4 not-out. At the conclusion of their 40 over limit, Harden Hornets were 7 wickets for 160 runs.

Best bowler for Boorowa was Nick O’Dwyer capturing 3 for 48 off 8 overs.

The Hornets pace opening bowling attack was a good one consisting of Jeff Brown and Nathan Anderson.

Brendon Sheen and Bryan Campbell were Boorowa’s opening pair of batsmen and they found scoring hard to master in the early stages. But 20 runs went on the electronic scoreboard before their first wicket fell. That of Sheen for 15. The next two Byron Campbell and Brad Rose both were out on 9 runs. At this stage Boorowa were 5 for 42 and needed a lift . This was given to their team with Archie Gay 10 and Janie Farrell 30 before the Boorowa Gators were dismissed for  94 runs. Harden Hornets won by 66 runs.

                                                                                                                     WINGS.