Harden took on Binalong in the major semi-final at Binalong on Saturday, with the winner straight through to the grand final.
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Hornets had one of those days in the field best described as a “butter-finger moment” where too many catches were put down at critical stages, allowing Binalong to hit a massive score.
Kai Steele lost the toss and Binalong had no hesitation in batting first and Mark Dyball lofted Jeff Brown just out of the reach of Ewan Stewart.
Batting partner George Knight attempted to settle Dyball down but he was on a mission to score.
The first butter-finger moment came when Dyball on five, again attempted to drive Brown and was put down by James Woodhead in gully - a critical moment as he was to go on to make 65.
Woodhead went on to drop another two catches.
Brown was having one of those days when he could not buy a wicket with two consecutive LBW appeals against Knight turned down.
With the score racing to 70 in quick time the first breakthrough came when Brown threw down the bowlers end stumps to find Knight out of his crease for a well made 22.
Dylan Arabin (7) was next out LBW to James McDougall to a ball that would be lucky to have hit a barn door let alone the stumps. Mick Patterson joined Dyball and a slog-fest commenced, Benny Brady spent the day looking for the ball in the trees and may have well pitched a tent in there. Dyball was finally bowled by Paddy Davis for 65 and Patterson bowled by Brown for 59.
The only catch for the day was when Steele clutched one in the bread basket to remove Drew Arabin (23) off Jack Nicholls.
After 40 overs Binalong had amassed 5-213.
Harden openers, Steele and Paul Potts, got off to a cautious start finding the field difficult to pierce. Potts (4) was first to go, caught by Oscar Knight. Steele (23) was next to go. Brown and Woodhead attempted to consolidate but when Brown (13) had his leg stump uprooted it was a sign of the end. He was followed by Jack Nicholls (1), Woodhead (13), Brady (8). Beau Abnett (1) and McDougall (4) tried to get the tail to wag but to no effect.
Harden, all out for 100 with Ewan Stewart on six not out.
Not a day of highlights for the Hornets, but they do get a second chance against Yass Taipans this Saturday at Tim Doolan Oval.