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Journeymen, Water Board keep title hopes alive

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Not even a man of the match effort by Shafiq Syed could stop Wallsend from bowing out of the Newcastle District Cricket Association’s (NDCA) Suburban Districts premiership race at the weekend.

And, it was the Wests Journeymen who eventually prevailed by a mere 10 runs in the division one qualifying final at Connolly Park on Saturday.

On a lively wicket, the hosts appeared in all sorts of trouble when they slipped to 7-45.

But, rear-guard action from the Journeymen’s tail-enders Paul Gauci (32), Scott O’Donohue (15) and Sam Verschoor (12 not out) enabled the side to post a moderate 114.

For his part, Syed claimed his second five-wicket haul of 2021-22, snaring 5-21, with Muhammad Umar chipping in with 3-18.

Wallsend looked well-placed early on in its innings, with Jivajot Singh (35), Varun Sharma (18) and Syed (15) leading the charge.

However, the team’s late order failed to capitalise on the strong start, with their campaign ending on 104.

Verschoor backed up with 2-20 and was ably assisted by David Sullivan (2-28) and Scott Shephard (2-30).

The Journeymen will now lock horns with the Mary Ellen Mudrats in this weekend’s semi showdown.

In the other clash at Jesmond Park, Wests Water Board proved too strong for Redhead by the tune of seven wickets.

The sixth-placed Redhead struggled in the conditions, falling for just 66 in 25.2 overs.

Only Kai Jeffress, with an unbeaten 14, reached double figures.

The wickets, however, were evenly shared with Jack Clarke picking up 3-9, Jacob Rippon snaring 3-20 and Brad Richardson capturing 3-20.

Water Board made short work of the target, passing it in the 21st over.

Rippon’s 23 not out and Mitchell Kroehnert’s 26 set up the side’s 3-70.

Marcus Christensen was the pick of the bowlers with 2-17.

A meeting with minor premiers Port Stephens Pythons awaits Water Board on 19 March.

NDCA secretary Aaron Gray admitted it was great to see the play-offs taking place.

“With COVID-19 and the heavy rain in recent weeks, it’s been a crazy season,” he said.

“At least we’ll get to wrap it all up – fingers crossed.

“Yesterday’s winners (Journeymen and Water Board) progress to face the teams, who finished first and second on the ladder.

“Both of them actually earned a week off with last weekend’s washout.”

Suburban Districts division one points table

(after 18 rounds)

  • Port Stephens Pythons 45 (1.95)
  • Mary Ellen Mudrats 42 (1.38)
  • Wests Water Board 38 (1.12)
  • Wallsend 37 (0.84)
  • Wests Journeymen 36 (1.05)
  • Redhead 36 (0.89)
  • Merewether 35 (1.17)
  • Adamstown Rosebuds 33 (0.79)
  • Nelson Bay 30 (0.63)
  • Premier Hotel 28 (0.69)

Semi-final draw

(Saturday 19 March)

  • Mary Ellen Mudrats v Wests Journeymen (Connolly Park)
  • Port Stephens Pythons v Wests Water Board (King Park)

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