Winning the toss, Stock had no hesitation in batting on the fairly worn (14-year-old) synthetic pitch. Also the day was hot and another restriction was the lush outfield of Roberts Park, where many balls were to stop suddenly a few metres short of the boundary.

Harden, for various reasons, had three of their real match winners missing.

However Rob Scott and Matt Schofield were the spearhead of Harden’s attack with the former having Doug Hunt caught behind for 12 and his partner superbly run-out for just one.

Brendon O’Callahan then entered the arena in front of the Red Devils Clubhouse and made the excellent contribution of 36 runs before he went lbw to Josh Logue.

Paul Potts in only his second match for our locals this season came on at the northern end and brought the run scoring to a standstill, bowling three overs for just six runs.

Mart Annett’s 14 and Nathan Corby, 7, took the Stockinbingal score to seven for 86 runs.

Their tail wagged, especially with Scott Friend’s addition of 38 not out and the ‘Bingal Boys’ finished at nine wickets for 133 runs.

This was possibly equivalent to about 170 on the heavy ground.

The most successful bowler for our locals was Josh Logue, who captured four wickets for 22 runs off eight overs.

One was caught and bowled when the athletic Logie leaped into the air to pull in a screamer of a catch.

Not intent on the fielding award, Logie sauntered out with Kai Steele to begin the chase for Harden.

Kai went early. And when Logie also departed the score was two for 19 and he had contributed a quick 14, which included three lusty fours. This started a mid-order collapse by Harden. Except for a fighting 11 runs by Paul Potts, they crumbled to be all out in 24 overs for just 59, surrendering 74 runs in arrears.

***

On the rugby league grapevine, which is very ripe, the Binalong Brahmans have left the gate open and their herd has escaped to greener pastures.

Wings