Bellbird secured a fourth consecutive second grade Coalfields Cup crown at the expense of Greta-Branxton at the weekend.

In fact, the victory put the icing on the cake of their minor premiership after they prevailed by 81 runs at Carmichel Park No. 1.

The home side compiled a healthy 5-234 batting first.

Most batsmen made starts, with Shannon Attewell (59no) proving to be their best.

He was well-supported by Cameron Martin (51), Joey Millington (47), Stef Durie (47) and Pete Brennan (19).

As has been the case for the majority of the season, Greta-Branxton skipper Jamie Moore was the pick of their attack with 2-29 off six.

But, the hill proved just that little bit too difficult to climb for the Blues in reply, as they were all out in the 37th over for 153.

Moore completed a fine all-round game with 39, with Tony Williams (30), Wayne Chandler (25) and James Halpin (20) all timing the ball nicely.

The Tigers’ seamers were tough to handle, with Scott Miller (3-14 off 6), Daniel Burford (3-31 off 7) and Patrick Cagney (2-21 off 5.2) all bowling tidy spells.

Wine Country came from fourth spot to claim the third grade shield with an emphatic 20-run victory over Bellbird at Carmichael Park No. 2.

The Wood Ducks were dismissed in the 38th over for a modest 144 batting first.

Jason Gregory was their best at the top of the order with 43, with Adam Elbourne (29) and skipper Dave Crosdale (23no) keeping things ticking over.

Wickets for the Bellbird bowlers were shared between Shaun Burgess (3-27 off 8), Andrew Chalker (2-28 off 8), Ty Cowley (2-51 off 7) and Jack Swift (2-20 off 6.3).

They were then dismissed inside 33 overs for 124.

Chalker (43) capped a fine all-round match and, along with Jon Schatz (30), were the only batsmen to show any sort of resistance.

Full credit goes to the Wine Country bowlers, with openers Darren Sutton (4-15 off 7.1) and Matthew Hollis (3-34 off 7) combining beautifully.

Tallen Howson made an impression with 2-9 off four, too.

Hotel Cessnock made it a minor/major premiership double in fourth grade when it defeated the Piranhas by three wickets at Drain Oval.

Chasing 119 for victory, the home side took its time before reaching the target in the 34th over after losing seven scalps.

Jamie Spence and Karl Capararo scored 26 apiece, with skipper Matt Blake making 16.

Kaiden Howson (3-26 off 7.1) and Logan Marino (2-22 off 8) were the pick of the Piranhas’ attack.

Earlier in the day, the visitors paid the price for not batting out their overs.

They were dismissed in the 35th for 118, with Dean Campbell (37), Craig Beer (20) and Adam Williams (17) the only batsmen in double figures.

Wickets for the Hotel Cessnock bowlers were fairly evenly-distributed between Ryan Levin (3-22 off 8), Blake (2-19 off 5), Dan Field (2-25 off 5.1) and Trenten Mascord (2-11 off 4).

Meanwhile, the combined CDCA and SDCA junior and senior presentations is taking place at Club Singleton on the night of Saturday 9 May.

Ticket information will be communicated to all clubs in coming weeks. 

• Mark Bercini

For more sports stories:

• Newcastle Hunter Rugby League unveils 2026 draw
• Jets win thriller to close in on ALM premiership
• Hunter Sports Centre kicks new goal with NRL partnership

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