After winning the toss Harden surprisingly sent Big-O in, on possibly the best batting wicket this season, one which resembled a batsman’s paradise.

Harden’s Rob Barron and Matt Schofield charged in to bowl against Coota’s batting pair of Dean Guthrie and Jimmy Mitchell. Schofield trapped Guthrie lbw after he had added 11 runs and it was one wicket for 20.

Peter Loutitt came in at number three and with Mitchell they took the score to 53 before the latter departed for 22, caught behind by Jason Pollard off Tom Darmody.

Scotty Roberts came to the crease and the experienced left-hander soon cast his superiority with the willow.

Harden shuffled their bowlers around in an attempt to halt Robert’s onslaught, but to to no avail, He hit nine fours in compiling 90 (not out) runs and Big-O, along with Peter Loutitt’s 25, had amassed a total of 176 from Harden’s 40 over limit. Both Matt Schofield and Tom Darmody took two wickets.

Nathan Schofield and Josh Logue opended the batting for our locals. And with 17 runs on board ‘Schoie’ was trapped adjacent to the stumps going lbw for just six runs. Another wicket fell next ball and the twin-town men were facing a hat trick.

They survived, however, and when big-hitter Jason Pollard snicked one from Jimmy Mitchell he was on his way for a brisk 15 runs, caught behind.

Matt Schofield and Tom Darmody then started a solid consolidation and repair job. But when Matt was dismissed for 26 and also Tom for a solid 31 runs, Harden were in no-man’s land at six for 100.

Rob Barron hit two fours in adding 16 and Harry Sachs scored eight, but looked more like he was holding a high-powered rifle than a cricket bat.

Harden’s innings ended on 129 runs, 47 short of the target.

With teams now being graded according to the ladder and Harden due to obtain a full compliment of players, it’s full speed ahead to the final of the 2011-12 Merrin Cup

Wings