CHRIS Holder swept to victory in the fourth round of the Australian Championship at Newcastle today and is on the verge of clinching the title.

The Pirates star scored 14 points in the qualifying heats and then beat Troy Batchelor, Joe Screen and Jason Doyle in the final.

Holder has 80 points overall, with Batchelor second on 68 and Screen third on 64.

Doyle is sixth with 56, but still harbours hopes of finishing third overall after the final round at Sydney on Friday.

  • Full report in Thursday's Echo.