The Cessnock District Cricket Association was yet again affected by rain at the weekend, with just the one second grade match starting at Allandale.
This was a top-of-the-table clash between the Wine Country Wood Ducks and defending premiers Chelmsford Hotel.
In the end, Chelmsford claimed victory via the Duckworth-Lewis method by one run after a downpour halted play during the second innings.
Chelmsford batted first and were dismissed inside 36 overs for 98, with opener Gundeep Gill the Wanderers’ best with 18.
Tail-enders Josh Hunter (16) and Matt Turnbull (12) also made handy contributions in the tricky conditions.
Brendan Briedenhann was the home side’s best with the two-piece, bagging 5-31 off his 7.4 overs.
Luke Jeans chipped in with 2-12 off six.
The Wood Ducks were 5-65 in reply when the rain came, with openers Cameron Ashe (27) and Jayden O’Connor (12no) showing some steel.
Arron Follan (3-23 off 9.2) and Hayden Ridley 2-14 off 9) picked up the wickets for Chelmsford.
Wine Country finished a single run behind on Duckworth Lewis at this stage.
- by Mark Bercini
Cessnock District Cricket Association 2020-21 points tables
First grade: Greta/Branxton 35*, Bellbird 30*, Wine Country 30, Piranhas 25, Mulbring 22*
Second grade: Chelmsford Hotel 62**, Wine Country 50***, Bellbird 47**, Greta/Branxton 43***, Piranhas 34***
- byes received, 0 points allocated
Third grade: Bellbird 62, Wine Country White 62, Piranhas 59, Wine Country Blue 57, Greta/Branxton 55, Mulbring 51
Fourth grade: Chelmsford Hotel 63*, Bellbird Maroon 59*, Bellbird White 58**, Greta/Branxton Blue 57**, Cessnock Hotel 54*, Wine Country 47**, Greta/Branxton White 43*, Supporters 43*, Piranhas 39**
- byes received, 0 points allocated
Club championship: Greta/Branxton 512.40, Wine Country 504.70, Bellbird 501.90, Piranhas 403.90
Club championship formula: First grade x 7, second grade x 3.5, third grade x 1.4, fourth grade x 0.7
NB: The team with the higher total points in grades where clubs have more than one side will contribute to the club championship