The Slab Road Cricket Club’s A, B and C Grade teams put in outstanding performances over the weekend to win their Huon Channel Cricket Association Preliminary Finals matches, thus advancing to this weekend’s Grand Finals.

The Cygnet Township is pretty excited at this remarkable effort by our local players to achieve this feat.

I’m sure all players are geared up for the weekend ahead.

A Grade will play the Kingston Crows at Kingston; B Grade will play the Southern Tigers at Franklin; whilst C Grade will play Margate at Margate.

A Grade advanced to the 2008/09 Grand Final when they accounted for Snug at home on Saturday.

Batting first, we reached 228. Many players made starts, Justin Jarrett 57, Stuart Clark 49 and Matt Cane 23 being our leading scorers.

In reply, Snug were bowled out for 154. Damien Clark 4/34 and Aaron Cherry 3/40 were our leading wicket takers.

We go into this week’s final against the Crows as underdogs, but also with the chance of winning back-to-back flags.

B Grade advanced to the 2008/09 Grand Final with a solid win over Longley.

Batting first, we could only manage 166.

Grant Clark was the standout batter with 65. Paul Cowen lent good support with 33.

In reply, Longley were bowled out for 126.

Jules Direen with 3/17 was the main wicket taker, while Adam Coad and David Bone picked up two wickets each.

We were runners-up last year -- a chance to atone this Saturday.

C Grade advanced to this year’s Grand Final when, after looking down and out, got up off the floor to claim victory over a shattered Longley unit on Sunday.

Playing at their home ground, Longley won the toss and batted in pretty wet conditions, reaching 6/196 off their 50 overs.

Ian Coulson and Peter Kenna, with two wickets each, were our main wicket takers.

In the run chase, the Roadies looked down and out at 5/54.

Captain Cracknell 47 and Coulson 42 both batted solidly but, with their dismissals, and Webster going cheaply, the team was 8/168.

Kane Neilson strode to the wicket in bleak conditions and, with six ducks already under his belt, the weather was rather to his liking. But his 15-year-old batting partner in Tyler “Wobbly” Cowen had other ideas and quickly set about demolishing the Longley attack to score a quick fire 31 not out and, along with Neilson 5 not out, got the Roadies over the line for an exciting victory and a crack at this year’s Grand Final Flag.

There will be a Players Barbecue Tea this Thursday night -- all supporters are welcome to attend, have a light refreshment and mingle with the players while wishing them all the best for their respective Grand Finals.

Saturday night after the Grand Finals and Sunday whatever the results -- everyone is welcome back at the Slab Road Cricket Clubrooms. Hope to see you at one of the games.

-- “Go Roadies”