Blake Harper to make comeback in preliminary final

Harper was initially told be would be unable to play any sport for 12 months after having a 700 kilogram hay bale fall on him at the family's Ariah Park farm in January.

The 19-year-old was able to save his badly-damaged spleen and otherwise escaped with bruising to the heart and liver.

However he's since defied initial expectations and just over six weeks after the accident will line up against St Michaels at McPherson Oval this weekend.

It's a big boost for the Blues as they look to claim the last place in the grand final.

Blues captain Joel Robinson to pleased to have Harper back.

"He is one of the best batsmen in the comp," Robinson said.

"He missed a few games after Christmas as well away on holidays and he'll be pretty nervous in a final, but he's a very good player, a very good athlete and a very good sportsman so we will know what we will get out of him.

"That is why he's back in the team."

Harper was enjoying a career-best season for South Wagga before the accident, having hit 411 runs at an average of 137, along with taking 11 wickets with the ball.

He hasn't played since December but has been doing work on the field to ensure he's right for the big clash.

Robinson is confident the long lay-off won't have too many ill effects.

"He's got the all clear from the doctor and has been hanging around wanting to play, as anyone in his position would," he said.

"He started in the last couple of weeks to have a few hits so there will be no excuses there cricket wise."

South Wagga failed to capitalise on a good start with the bat in their one-wicket loss to Wagga City last week.

Harper's return will be a boost near the top of the order with only Alex Smeeth (66)and Warren Clunes (53) making it past 15 before the side was bowled out for 180.

However Robinson doesn't want to put too much pressure on his return.

"Having him in the team is obviously a bonus but we are still confident with the other blokes in the team," he said.

"It's not a desperate measure to bring him back in but it is something we have spoken about for the last month.

"We're rapt to have him back in but I don't think he is going to be the difference between us winning and losing."

South Wagga would also be in the box seat if recent wet weather was to affect the two-day clash after finishing higher on the ladder.

They progress to take on the Cats again if the clash ends in a draw.

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