In Round 13 of matches in the HCCA the Kingston Crows recorded good wins in A grade, B2 grade and C2 grade while our B1 team had their last bye of the season. A grade actually has the bye in Round 14 but from thereon in, all teams will play matches in the final 4 rounds. In other grades in Round 14, B1 are home to Margate, B2 venture to Castle Forbes Bay and C2 are on the road to Woodbridge.

In the A grade game at Snug the Crows batted first and struggled on a wicket that was not conducive to shot making for either team. After our 50 overs we had scored 8/181. Jamie Knott 57 and Marc Owen 32 were the chief run scorers and they added 82 for the 5^th wicket after we had been in a spot of bother with the score 4/62.

Our bowlers were able to strike early in Snug’s innings as they too struggled to score freely. At 5/51 we were right on top and were able to pretty well maintain that pressure and eventually dismiss them in the 35^th over for 114. Dale Punshon continued his fine season taking another five wicket haul finishing with 5/32. Jamie Knott took 2/22 and Trent Pearce, Nick Townsend and Jason Cripps picked up a scalp each.

A highlight when bowling was when one of our players had to leave early and 8 year old Mitchell Owen acted a as a substitute fielder for a large part of Snug’s innings. His diving effort to make a catch almost resulted in one of the great moments of the season.

B2 took on Longley at home and they too were in a bit of bother when 3/64. David Bain 59 and Gareth Percey 38 then added 106 for the 4^th wicket as our lower order cashed in. Jarrod Collis 23 and Andrew Denton 38 contributed after opener Mick Langford had made 33 but it was No. 8 Sam Peacock 65 with 4 6s and No. 9 Ash Woodhead 70no with 5 6s who enjoyed the party the most as we scored 136 off the final 10 overs and finished with 9/406.

Our new ball bowlers then struggled to get out of second gear as a couple of Longley’s top order made useful scores and 42 was added for the first wicket. Once Andrew Denton was brought into the attack the wickets started to fall. He finished with 3/18 and part time attempted off spinner Jarrod Collis snared 5/21 with his “flighted” deliveries. Longley was dismissed in the 39^th over for 148.

C grade took on Slab Road on their home ground and made 210 before being dismissed in the 37^th over. Manning Parkinson 71 and Shane Hall 48 came together with the score 3/46 and added 85 for the 4^th wicket.

Slab Road’s openers looked in little trouble in their reply as they added 54 for the opening partnership. The introduction then of Leg Spinner Malcolm Scriber changed the game completely as he picked up 3 of the first 4 wickets and Slab Road crashed to 4/72. Another wicket soon after left “The Roadies” 5/97 but a 6^th wicket partnership of 61 took them closer to our total. Once that partnership was broken we were able to clean up the remaining batters fairly quickly with Slab Road dismissed for 167 in the 45^th over. Malcolm took 4/23 from his 10 overs, Dean Heywood 2/32 and Matthew Creek 2/40.

The Social Committee organized a “Crows Cup” horse racing evening on Saturday night. Although disappointed in the number of people who didn’t support the function, those who did attend had a fantastic evening. The night was extremely well organized and congratulations must go to all involved especially Nick and Amanda.

It is also worth mentioning the efforts of our Bar Manager, Carol Chapman, for her continued efforts around the Club. With regard to the recent Twenty20 match you can only say she was fantastic.

This Friday February 5 is the Club’s Annual Golf Day. Mal Godfrey has organized the day and the rumours are that a couple of celebrities may be participating.

 

“From the Hill”