The last round before Christmas saw some closely contested affairs on the Saturday, with A Grade going down in a tight game against Slab Road, and B Grade holding off Blackmans Bay 1 in a close game.
A Grade batted first, and after a slow start, were able to post a more than competitive 6-268 form their 50 overs.
Brad Pitt led the way at the top of the innings with 58, and Lachie Fraser (33) and Kyle Paul (21) helped the total along to 6-154, where Josh Stevenson and Jacob Stanway took over, putting on an unbeaten 114 run stand – Stanway the main contributor with 67 from 51 balls, whilst Stevenson posted 43 from 48.
The bowlers were happy with a target to defend, and a wicket in the first over to Stanway helped the mood. No more joy was to be found until the score was on 98 – a run out starting a string of wickets that saw Slab Road lose 5-38, Bevan Roberts taking 3 of these. Another partnership of 37 saw the game in the balance at 7-173, but the Warriors couldnt get that last break through needed, Slab passing the total with 16 balls to go.
B Grade took on the second placed Blackmans Bay 1 side, and an unusual opening combination for the home side saw Jackson Pastoor open with Luke Stocks.
Pastoor was soo in the she with the score on 7, but Stocks (23) and Jonny Thorpe (42) batted solidly for a 71 run stand before Stocks holed out. A steady stream of wickets saw the side limp along to 9-170 with Aiden Geeves scoring 30 in the middle, but a vital 23 run stand between Riley Anning and brother Jesse saw the total bumped up to 193 before North Huon were dismissed in the 50th over.
A 40 run stand to the visitors got the moving before Aiden Geeves got the break through, and 2 quick wickets to Marcus Raine saw hopes rise. at 3-126 though, it took Stocks to break the partnership, before Aiden Geeves, Dylan Geeves, and Marcus Raine took a further 4 wickets between them to have the Sharks 8-156.
A stumping to Sam Kile off Stocks left Blackmans Bay needing 32 for the last wicket, and despite some valiant protection of the number 11 batsman, Riley Anning was eventually able to get a nick which was taken to a juggling catch with the score on 176 to record a good win for North Huon.
With C1 having the week off, it was left to C2 Grade to fly the Sunday flag, taking on Blackmans Bay.
Batting first, North Huon could only manage 88, largely helped by Joe Roberts (17) and Blake Lovell (16). After the moon had set, the Sharks made short work of the total, only losing 1 wicket to Baydon Armstrong in chasing down the total.
The club will now enjoy a well deserved break for a couple of weeks, with training set to recommence on Thursday January 3 at Ranelagh, in preparation of the return games on Jan 5/6.
A Grade will host local rivals Huonville at Ranelagh, B Grade travel to Margate, C1 Grade are at home at Glen Huon against the Eagles, and C2 are also at home at Ranelagh against Snug.