Newcastle returned to the winner’s circle in the Country Cricket NSW Under-16 Bradman Cup at Cahill Oval on Wednesday.
After suffering a 65-run loss to the highly-fancied ACT Southern Districts on the opening day, the Luke Harradine-coached Hunter outfit hit back to account for Greater Illawarra.
The visitors won the toss but sent the local boys into bat.
Newcastle compiled a competitive 152, courtesy of Kel Wilson’s 46.
The opener slammed five boundaries and received some handy support from Hunter Jensen (23), Lachlan Williams (18) and Austen Hiskens (14) along the way.
BJ Abela claimed 4-23 while Ryan Cattle and Kias Thompson chipped in with 2-30 and 2-35 respectively.
In reply, Greater Illawarra struggled from the outset.
Despite a gallant half century to Tom Fletcher (51), the side’s charge ended on 123 – 29 runs short of the target.
Harry Campbell was the pick of the Newcastle bowlers, snaring 3-28.
However, Alexander Gallagher (2-6), Hiskens (2-9) and Harrison Sharples (2-15) also shone with the ball.
Newcastle next meets Western at Pasterfield Sports Complex on Thursday (6 January) and Riverina at Cardiff No 1 on Friday (7 January).
In other fixtures, Western (9-220) proved too strong for North Coastal (152) at Cardiff Oval by 68 runs; Riverina (5-136) crushed Central Coast (131) at Kahibah Oval by five wickets; and ACT Southern Districts (7-131) put Central Northern (7-127) to the sword at Feighan Oval in a rain-shortened clash.
Newcastle Cricket Zone manager Tim Cox said the Bradman Cup was a terrific stepping-stone for higher honours.
“Tamworth’s Josh Hazlewood played for Central Northern and Nathan Lyon, a Riverina lad, represented Western,” he stated.
“They’re now playing for Australia – and are two great examples.
“So, this is where it all starts for these boys.
“It’s also great to host this tournament in Lake Macquarie.”
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