COVID-19 played havoc with the Newcastle District Cricket Association’s Suburban Districts division one competition at the weekend.
With case numbers at an all-time high in the region, two matches were abandoned in the final round before the Christmas-New Year break.
As a result, the Mary Ellen Mudrats and Wallsend, along with Wests Journeymen and Merewether, shared the points.
Meanwhile, the Port Stephens Pythons maintained their winning form, COVID scares and all, by trouncing Nelson Bay by 73 runs at King Park 5 on Saturday.
The Pythons charged to 9-193, with Jeremy Kirk (43), Josh Moxey (40) and Lleyton Eveleigh (22) leading the way.
Doug Rowland collected 3-26 and Tyler Ostle claimed 2-35.
In reply, Nelson Bay could only manage 120, the best being Rowland (35) and Bryce Causley (27) with the bat.
Jarrod Moxley was almost unplayable, picking up 4-6, with Jason Eveleigh chipping in with 2-27.
In the battle of Adamstown, the Rosebuds crushed Premier Hotel by nine wickets at Adamstown Park Oval 2.
Premier Hotel opted to occupy the crease first but struggled to post 115.
Tom Tredinnick (4-26), Dean Trajanovski (2-4) and PJ Consadine (2-14) did the damage with the ball.
The Rosebuds then cruised to victory in the 28th over.
Consadine backed up his bowling efforts with a brilliant unbeaten 71, while Nick Marsh also contributed 26 not out.
Wests Water Board easily accounted for Redhead by eight scalps at Jesmond Park.
After being sent in, Redhead compiled a competitive 8-148.
Matt Storey top scored with 37 not out and received strong support from Chris Mitchell (36).
Asama Radford bagged 2-33, with Clarke, Richardson, Earl, Rippon, Taylor and Jamnik all snaring one apiece.
Water Board made short work of the target, courtesy of Jack Taylor (50 not out) and Jack Clarke (36).
Mitch Kroehnert also blasted an unbeaten 32 off 11 balls.
Kyle Burrows and Joey Parsons captured 1-23 and 1-28 respectively.
The comp is due to resume on Saturday 8 January.
Points ladder
- Mary Ellen Mudrats 23, Wests Journeymen 22, Port Stephens Pythons 21, Wallsend 21, Merewether 20, Wests Water Board 19, Redhead 17, Nelson Bay 16, Adamstown Rosebuds 15, Premier Hotel 14
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