Brothers bow out of finals race as Harwood marches on

CLOCKTOWER Hotel Brothers have bowed out of the 2013-14 CRCA Premier League competition at the hands of Harwood Hilton Hotel.

ON THE FRONT: Harwood’s Luke Harradine batting at the start of Harwood’s superior first innings total of 220 in the CRCA Premier League minor semi-final against Brothers at Harwood Oval on Saturday. PHOTO: DEBRAH NOVAK

CLOCKTOWER Hotel Brothers have bowed out of the 2013-14 CRCA Premier League competition at the hands of Harwood Hilton Hotel.

It was always going to be a tough assignment once Harwood posted 220 on Saturday. But once Brothers found themselves at 4-53 at stumps, the job on day two was made all the more difficult and it ultimately proved a mountain too high.

Despite the best efforts of captain Mick Summers, who top scored with 38, the side will now look to next year.

However, the crystal ball might not be all that bleak and gloomy. Summers, who was part of the premiership-winning side in 2010, predicts a bright future.

"It's looking promising for the next couple of seasons," Summers said.

"We've got a good young group there and showing signs we've got a premiership in us in the next couple of years.

"We've been rebuilding since we lost a few guys after the 2010 grand final win. I feel like we're getting to a competitive stage again."

Brothers were left to rue missed chances after removing both Harwood's openers early. But Nathan Ensbey (62) and Ben McMahon (74) proceeded to take control of the game. Some late hitting from Luke Many (25no) helped Harwood prop its total above the magic 200 while Troy McLaren was the standout for Brothers, snaring five wickets.

"We dropped a couple of early catches before they got away," Summers said.

"But we still thought we could probably get those runs. But we didn't apply ourselves on Saturday, losing those four wickets before stumps."

Summers received late support from Adam Schmidt (25) with the bat, but they still fell a long way short of the mark as Glenn Scarffe took five wickets for Harwood.

In Harwood's second innings and Luke Harradine and Geoff Simmons batted themselves into form with a century opening stand before stumps were pulled.

Originally published as Brothers bow out of finals race as Harwood marches on