Harden Country Club Merrin Cup cricket team came head to head with the leading side of the competition ‘Big O’ (Olympic Hotel) last Saturday at Fisher Park Cootamundra, in a match that culminated the 2007-08 season - the Grand Final.

Fresh from winning the Sparre Cup ‘B’ Grade the previous year, Harden improved considerably to progress to the ‘A’ Grade Merrin Cup competition.

And it is a credit to a dedicated group of only 12 or 13 players who turn up regularly.

The match itself saw ‘Big O’ win the toss and electing to bat. From the outset they grabbed the ascendancy and although Harden never let up, our locals always seemed to be behind the 8 ball (so to speak).

Coota amassed 176 runs, with former Harden player Michael Ricketts now with ‘Big O’, contributing 80 valuable runs.

In reply Harden lost three quick wickets and continued on the back foot. Two contributions of 20 runs by Tim Manchester and Rob Barron only delayed the inevitable. It wasn’t long before Harden were bowled out for 96.

Congratulations to the ‘Big O’ as they went through the competition undefeated.

Harden has won the Merrin Cup on four occasions since its inception in 1945. (1964-65, 1985-86, 1989-90, 1995-96).

Maybe 2008-09 will be our year.

Wings