With storms approaching the wicket was covered with the newly purchased covers, which allowed the game to get underway 20 minutes behind schedule. 

The only game in the association to be completed.

Harden’s captain Kai Steele won the toss and elected to put Binalong in on what appeared to be a green wicket. However the ball stayed true all day without much variable bounce. 

Mark Dyball and George Knight got the visitors off to a solid start before Tyler Allen in the fourth over dug one in which Dyball attempted to pull but skidded the ball back to the bowler. 

Oscar Knight joined his father and looked in perfect control with a solid defence. It was not until the last over before lunch when George Knight attempted to cut James McDougall and succeeded in picking out Jeff Brown for a well-made 23. Binalong 2 for 44 at drinks.   

After drinks Tyler Allen had instant success picking up the wickets of Dylan Arabin (2) and Drew Arabin (8) while Paul Potts chipped in with the wickets Mick Patterson (2) and Oscar Knight (10). 

It was during this period when the “Big Man” Ross Turner provided the crowd with entertainment when chasing a ball, he tripped and cartwheeled, setting off local seismic recorders.

Victor Coble then changed the match with 37 off only 19 balls, taking a particular liking to Paul Potts loopy pies. Kai Steele brought himself on and cleaned up the tail to have Binalong all out for 121. 

Best for Harden was Tyler Allen 3 for 14, Kai Steele 2 for 6. Great bowling performances were put in by Jack Nicholls 4 overs for 4 runs and Patrick Davis 3 overs for 6 runs.

Harden’s innings got off to a solid start until Kai Steele (4) misjudged the length of a Victor Coble ball which knocked back his off stump. 

Paul Potts was joined by Jayson Smith and the runs started to tick over, Smith was severe on anything short with a range of cut and pull shots. 

However the introduction of Oscar Knight in the 14th over changed the complexion of the game when he bowled both Potts (4) and Tyler Allen (0). 

Potts attempted a lavish reverse sweep but due to body mass issues succeeded in hitting the ball back onto the stumps. Not one of the prettier shots for the day, leaving Hornets at 3 for 31. 

Drinks were then blamed for a batting collapse as Harden then lost  regular wickets including Smith (30), Jack Nicholls (9) and Jeff Brown (0). 

Some resistance was put up by Kelvin Brown (10) and Beau Abnett (12) before Harden was all out for 83. 

Abnett showed class for his age taking a liking to Binalong’s faster bowlers. Best bowlers for Binalong was Oscar Knight 3 for 12 and Victor Coble 3 for 18.

Harden’s man of the match was awarded to 14-year-old Jack Nicholls who was impressive with both bat and ball. 

However the trophy did not quite make it out of the clubhouse before he dropped it and it is now in two pieces. Hopefully superglue can fix it!

Harden has a bye for the Picnic Races next weekend before it is back at Tim Doolan oval on November 3 against the Yass Taipans.