The Slab Road Cricket Club’s A Grade team, after the Huon Channel Cricket Association’s Round 8 matches, will go to the Christmas-New Year break on top of the ladder after defeating Margate on Saturday.

Round 8 saw our Roadies A Grade travel to Margate where the home team won the toss and elected to bat in wet and slippery conditions. Margate were going along nicely at 1/66.

However, a fine spell of bowling by opening bowler Nathan Clark (4/48), and good support by Tom Nichols (2/24) and Stuart Clark (2/30), restricted Margate to 141 off 30 overs.

Roadies opening batsmen Stuart Clark (50 not out) and Daniel Watson (44) wasted no time chasing down the score, blasting 81 off 16 overs for the first wicket, eventually passing the score for Slab Road to take victory in the 27th over.

B Grade had the bye.

C1 had their colours lowered when they were defeated in their Round 8 clash at home on Sunday.

Batting first, the visitors were restricted to 147 all out. Bradley Clark took 4/28 and Tyler Cowen 3/41.

In the run chase, the Roadies, after being 0/50, collapsed to be all out for a paltry 117. Openers Peter Ross (23) and Rhys Jennings (26) were our only batsmen to look dangerous.

C2 went to the Christmas break with a convincing win over Snug at Snug. Veteran Pat Coulson, coming out of retirement, was the star with the bat.

Batting first, the Roadies reached 218 off 40 overs before being dismissed. Pat Coulson top scored with his highest ever score for the Club of 80 runs.

Pat might not have been able to walk the next day but it was a great effort. Youngster Corey Polley (27 not out), Ben Smith (26), Damien Duggan (24) and Sam Reinmuth (16) were all valuable contributors to the total.

In reply, Snug were bundled out for 63. The consistent Damien Duggan (4/33) completed a good match and must be pushing for higher selection after the Christmas break. Nick Duggan again grabbed wickets (3/10) and is also putting pressure on the higher grade bowlers.

Dropped catches – Corey, Sam, Sam, Butch, Rhys, Nibbles, Tom – and, the leader at the Christmas break, is Solar (4).

Dolly Club – Berna, Ryan – and the leader, Corey, with 5.

The Christmas stocking was won by Adam Coad.

Good news is that, after the break, Coach Brad Thomas will be back and raring to go!

The downside is that our new wicket was vandalised over this past weekend – some or all may well have to be replaced because of the damage caused. Any information regarding the culprits of this act of vandalism would be appreciated – contact the Police or the Club if you can help.

Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year to everyone!