Last Saturday was Semi Final day in the HCCA and the day started with weather being perfect for cricket. What then happened in the next couple of hours was truly amazing as the torrential storm that hit around 2 o’clock ruined any chance of further play in the two games that the Kingston Crows were involved in. 

A grade played a rematch with Slab Road at home having beaten them at the same venue in the final roster match to secure top spot. The “Roadies” won the toss and elected to bat, as I have said, in ideal conditions. They got away to a reasonable start adding 38 for the 1^st wicket. After the initial breakthrough we took another wicket with their score on 53 and then Andrew Henley dismissed two of his cousins with their score on 69. A bit of a partnership followed but when the 5^th wicket fell with the score 106 we were well in the game. Soon after that dismissal the clouds opened and approx ½ hour was lost. Upon recommencement Slab’s batters knuckled down and with the ball soon getting very wet they were able to forge a partnership of 66 for the 6^th wicket before Henley again struck. With both the sky and the ball becoming darker and darker Slab went on a run spree adding 74 runs in 6.2 overs bowled before the storm struck while they were in their final over. By that stage they had reached 7/247 but there was no chance of any further play so the Crows advance to the Grand Final which will be played on our home ground against the winner of the Preliminary Final between Slab Road and Snug. 

On Saturday we were privileged to have Hans Hilfenhaus, (father of Ben), attend the game. Hans is from Ulverstone and related to our coach, Jamie Knott. Post match discussions point to both Hans and Ben being present at the Grand Final. 

The importance of losing the final roster match to the bottom side was shown when B grade’s year was washed away at Slab Road. 

Batting first we looked to be continuing our poor batting form of late when we slumped from 0/33 to 4/54 and then 5/76. Chase McConnon 46, Jason Jones 33 and Andrew Downie 23no then helped us to 8/191 after 45.3 overs. Damian Pearce 25 and James Murray 20 had scored the bulk of the early runs. It was at that stage that play ceased with no chance of any further play. 

This was a very disappointing way for B grade to finish the year but it shows the value of finishing as high as possible on the ladder. It also means that the Crows will not participate in the B grade Grand Final which will be the first time since the 1999/2000 season.  

As mentioned the A grade Grand Final will be played at the “Crows Nest” on Saturday 28^th March with the Sunday as the Reserve Day. It is hoped that we can enjoy good weather and a great game of cricket. Providing a result is achieved on the Saturday we will be holding our usual Grand Final function that night with a Family day on the Sunday including the Best and Fairest count in all grades.