The Cessnock District Cricket Association resumed after the Christmas-New Year break, with T20 club matches taking place for the entire month of January.
Coalfields Cup champions Bellbird, Greta/Branxton, Mulbring, Piranhas and Wine Country will contest the Tier 1 competition, with Bellbird, Greta/Branxton, Piranhas and Wine Country to fight out for premiership honours in Tier 2.
Just the one match was played in week 11, with all other games washed out.
Piranhas claimed the two points against Greta/Branxton with a 70-run victory at Miller 2, Branxton.
With plenty in the pitch for the bowlers, the Piranhas batted first and posted a very competitive 9-123 from their 20 overs.
Fletcher Sharpe blasted five maximums on his way to 38.
He received good support from skipper Matt Zechel (35) and Daniel Russell (15) who also kept things ticking along.
Brent Watson continued his strong season form with the four-piece, bagging 4-22 off his four overs, with Patrick Andrews taking 2-3 off three.
The Blues were skittled for just 53 in reply, with Cliff Newling the only batsman to reach double figures with an unbeaten 24.
Former Piranhas skipper Matt Hopley was a real handful for the Greta/Branxton batsmen, ripping through their line-up to claim an impressive 5-10 off four overs.
Luke Sweeney cleaned up the tail with 2-7 (off three).
Meanwhile, a significant event will take place on Saturday 13 February when the Piranhas face Supporters for the Becky Lowder Memorial Shield in the fourth grade game at Baddeley 1.
The Piranhas have won the silverware the past two years – and are looking for a three-peat.
Paul Crocker has skippered the side on both occasions in what is an emotional day for each club.
All players are looking forward to the clash.
Paul is the father of Becky who, at the age of 12, unfortunately lost her battle with cancer back in July, 2014.
- by Mark Bercini
T20 points table – Tier 1: Piranhas 3, Bellbird 2, Mulbring 1, Wine Country 1, Greta/Branxton 1
Week 12 draw
Tier 1 (Saturday 16 January):
Round three (10am):
Wine Country v Piranhas (Baddeley 1)
Greta/Branxton v Mulbring (Miller 1)
Bye: Bellbird
Round four (2pm):
Greta/Branxton v Wine Country (Miller 1)
Mulbring v Bellbird (Mulbring)
Bye: Piranhas
Tier 2 (Saturday 16 January):
Round two (10am):
Bellbird v Piranhas (East End)
Greta/Branxton v Wine Country (Miller 2)Â
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