Front Row: Dean McGrath, Jacob West, Jared Prosser, Todd Stevens and Bradley Sharman. Picture by Caron Elliott.

The Harden Junior Cricket Gilchrist’s team was successful in winning their final on Saturday against the Cootamundra Hines team.

In very hot conditions, Hines won the toss and elected to field in the cooler conditions. Harden’s opening batsmen were Jacob Page and Dean McGrath. Dean was very unlucky to be run out without facing a ball. Martin Brown came to the crease and he and Jacob built a good partnership before both had to retire after their time. Jacob scored 8 runs and Martin, showing excellent strokes finished with 18. Jacob Prosser and Bradley Sharman both batted well, with Jacob retiring with 32 runs and Brad retiring with 11 runs. Jared Prosser, James Cusack and Fergus Hall all unfortunately lost their wickets without scoring. A last wicket partnership between Todd Stevens and Jacob West proved very valuable with both boys playing some excellent shots and frustrating the fielders. Both boys finished not out, Todd on 4 and Jacob on 19 when the 30 overs had been bowled. With sensible and skilful batting Harden finished with a total of 141.

Fielding in the second half of the match proved very hot, but the boys remained focused. Excellent fielding by Jacob Page resulted in a great run out. The bowling was very tight and accurate, which slowed Hines’ scoring. Wicket takers for Harden were Jacob Page, Todd Stevens, Jacob Prosser, Martin Brown and Jacob West. Bradley Sharman had a solid game at wicket keeper, and took a great catch behind the stumps. Todd Stevens took an excellent catch in the outfield, much to the delight of the crowd. All boys fielded enthusiastically, chasing down balls and returning the ball well. The final Hines’ wicket fell in the 27th over and they were all out for 105, Harden winning the match by 36 runs.

Congratulations to all the team on a fantastic, enjoyable and rewarding season of cricket. Thank you to all the parents who assisted throughout the season.