The Harden Junior Cricket Club has made the 2021/22 South West Slopes Cricket Association Under 13’s grand final, after defeating Ariah Park in the semi-final last weekend at Tim Doolan Oval.
Harden batted first in the crunch semi-final clash, putting 9/110 on the board, highlighted by the efforts of Bassingthwaite (42 off 62), Brown (19 off 14), and Thomas Woodhead (12 off 22).
Ariah Park then made its way to the crease batting second, however, were quickly stunned by the Harden bowling attack, losing 2 for 0 thanks to Steele and Brown, who would both go on to take three wickets each.
Ariah Park put on a 33-run partnership for the third wicket but collapsed soon after, being bowled out for just 68.
The 42-run win against third-placed Ariah Park on the ladder, and with results going the way of the Harden side last weekend with Ray White Young defeating Nimbus Young by 110 runs, means the grand final will be played at Tim Doolan Oval on Saturday.
Harden coach Dean Bourlet said he was proud of the team’s accomplishments from the weekend.
“We played well, I’m very proud,” Dean said.
“It was a great effort by all. Charlie Bass who opened and retired early came back out and hit 42 runs. We were looking a bit dismal at 8/64 and didn’t look that great, but a great partnership at the end got us to a competitive score.”
“We bowled really well. We only had 12 extras for the innings and bowled them out within 20 overs. So that was pretty impressive.”
Dean said he was aware of how powerful this weekend’s grand final opponent in Ray White Young will be.
“They’re a very good batting side. They are on song and will be hard to beat. We’ve got our work cut out for us, but we beat them a couple of weeks ago,” Dean continued.
“We’ll have 11 players this weekend, so we’ll be at full strength come the weekend.”
The Hornets will go into this week’s game with a set batting lineup from their semi-final victory, taking a consistent approach into the game.
However, the bowling attack will be split up with quality bowlers coming on throughout the entire innings to break Ray White’s attack.
The Hornets were down at training on Tuesday night in preparation for the grand final, however, consistent rainfall had the team regularly ducking undercover.
“We had a good afternoon, we got a little bit wet but that’s alright,” Dean said. Harden will face Ray White Young from 8:30 am on Saturday morning, setting up a thrilling encounter as their last win clash was decided by just one run.
Good luck to the Harden boys on the weekend and get that trophy.
Tim Warren
