Harden B Grade took on the strong Gundaroo club on Saturday at Roberts Park in Murrumburah. Kelvin Brown won the toss for the home side and after consultation with his elder statesmen of the team decided to bat first.
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Harden’s innings got off to a poor start when in the second over Will Manwaring copped an absolute corker of a delivery from Matt Oliver which seamed back and hit off stump. This brought Jeff Brown to the crease to bat with father Kelvin Brown, the pair appeared to be getting on top of the Gundaroo bowlers before a sickening injury to first change bowler Chris Grieson.
Grieson appeared to slip in his delivery stride which resulted in the lower leg twisting and a loud snapping noise of the ligaments letting go. The game was halted for approximately half an hour to allow the player to be transported to hospital.
This resulted in a break in concentration for Jeff Brown (8) when he was bowled by Jamie Hogan from the first delivery back. Martin Brown then came to the crease and from the start he was on a mission until the last ball before drinks when he skied a pull shot from Jeremy Clark leaving Harden at 3 for 50.
After drinks wickets fall at regular intervals including that of Kelvin Brown who was out to a diving catch by Matt Oliver off Jeremy Clark for a patient 36. It was then left to Luke Brown (23) and Mitch Brown (7) to get Harden up to a total of 104.
Gundaroo’s innings got off to a flying start as they chased quick runs with storm clouds threatening. Marty Smith got the first wicket when an in-swinging delivery clipped Anthony Mortimer’s pads and cannoned into leg stump.
Harden’s momentum was then halted by the first shower of rain which made the ball difficult for the bowlers to grip on the resumption, however the introduction of Martin Brown to the attack had instant success when he trapped Clint Harvey in front for 15. He then followed this effort up four balls later by bowling Mark Graham (32).
At this stage Harden were back in the game, but the heavens again opened up and bucketed down for a further 20 minutes. On resumption of play there was a heated discussion between the respective captains of both teams over the suitability of the pitch for play.
The match went on and it was then decided that Harden’s young boys Mitch Brown and Max Spackman would bowl mainly because there was insufficient grip for other bowlers. Both boys handled the difficult wet conditions really well however the visitors reached the required total before further rain fell.
For more local cricket information go to www.hardenexpress.com.au
