The Kingston Crows A grade team recorded one of their finest come from behind victories when they overcame the previously undefeated North Huon team last Saturday.

North Huon elected to bat first in the game on the Crow’s home ground but could never get on top of the Crow’s attack. They were in all sorts of trouble when 5/63 halfway through their innings but to their credit batted out their overs in making 143. Trent Pearce in his first A grade game of the year took 4/25 and his new ball partner Dale Punshon took 3/27. Between them they took the first 3 wickets and then the final four.

The Warriors were not going to let us take the game without giving their best fight. With Marcus Raine producing a devastating spell of bowling with the new ball we were put in a diabolical position when 6/46 in the 18^th over. That is when Andrew Henley, also in his first A grade game of the year, strode to the crease. Using all his experience he set about trying to kick start our innings, firstly adding 36 for the 7^th wicket with Robert Chapman before Chapman was run out. With the score 7/82 Nick Townsend arrived at the wicket and under the guidance of Henley they edged us closer to the victory target. Henley was dismissed for 36 (7 4s) with only 2 runs required. Townsend then struck the winning boundary to finish on 44no (4 4s and 3 6s) in what was easily the most important innings he has played for the Club.

It is ironic given the evenness of this game that the win has pushed us into the top three on the ladder whereas a loss would have left us with an uphill task of challenging for the finals.

There were no games for either of our B grade sides.

On Sunday C2 travelled to Ranelagh also to take on North Huon. The home side elected to bat first and looked well set when they passed 50 with only 1 wicket down. From there though the Crows got right on top dismissing them for 93 in the 35^th over. Jonathon Cashion took 3/11, Matthew Creek 3/22, Zac Scriber 2/20 and Manning Pakinson 1/1.

Daniel Woodhead ensured there would be no top order collapse as he dominated an opening partnership of 50. He was dismissed for 38 that include 4 4s. Gab Lefleur opened the batting and was 15no when we reached our target for the loss of only 2 wickets in the 23^rd over. Captain, Shane Hall also remained 15no.

On Saturday night we held our Spit Roast/ Christmas function. It was a very successful evening with the children, in particular, having a wonderful time. Many thanks to Mark Drake and Andrew Henley for their excellent cooking. They were helped by a number of player’s partners. One of our young C grade players, Dale Hayers, did a fantastic job as the “main man’ particularly given the late notice when it was realized that our own “St Nick” would not fit into the suit.

The Kingston Crows Cricket Club would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and look forward to our on field challenges in the New Year.