Wests Water Board consolidated second spot on the Newcastle District Cricket Association’s Suburban Districts ladder, thanks to an impressive 43-run triumph over Merewether at the weekend.
But, they were made to fight all the way.
After slipping to 2-4 in the division one showdown at Blackley Oval, Water Board eventually posted 177 on the back of James Earl’s unbeaten half century.
He cracked three boundaries and cleared the fence on four occasions on his way to 59 not out.
Earl was ably supported by Jack Walsh (26) and Nick Dimmers (21).
For Merewether, Adam Britt was the star with the ball, claiming 5-14 in an outstanding spell.
Michael Gainsford also picked up 2-39.
In reply, Merewether started strongly – courtesy of Gainsford (31), Darren Cousins (28) and Mitch Piller (25) – but fell away to be bundled out for 134.
Alexander Jamnik captured 3-25, Matt Hiriart took 2-10 and Jacob Rippon snared 2-12.
Water Board’s win now sets up a mouth-watering showdown with competition leaders Port Stephens Pythons, who crushed Premier Hotel by six wickets at King Park.
The under-strength cellar-dwellers struggled to amass 84, despite the efforts of Peter Murray (36) and Douglas Giles (26).
Brock Hawley grabbed 3-21.
The Pythons then cruised to victory, with Leigh Williams (30) and Lleyton Eveleigh (22 not out) leading the way.
Lucas Holmes finished with the figures of 2-30.
Adamstown Rosebuds accounted for Wests Journeymen by 14 runs in an exciting clash at Adamstown Park.
The hosts compiled a competitive 165, with Corey Bruce (56) and PJ Considine (31) taking charge.
Simon Knight was the destroyer with the ball with 4-29, backed up by Harry Cornford (3-39).
Dylan Barnes (43) and Brendan Patterson (26) put the Journeymen in a terrific position, but the team lost 9-71, ending its campaign on 151.
Considine capped off a sensational match, adding 5-22 to his batting feats.
Wallsend handed out a cricketing lesson to Redhead, prevailing by eight wickets, at Jesmond Park.
A pair of 39s to Richard Moolman and Joey Parsons were the only bright spots on the scoresheet as the visitors made 108.
The devastating Muhammad Umar bagged 5-17 and Vikram Sharma contributed 4-15.
Wallsend made quick work of the required target with Varun Sharma hitting 65.
Parsons pocketed 2-17.
It is understood the Mary Ellen Mudrats defeated Nelson Bay at Connolly Park in the remaining encounter, however the scoreboard was incomplete.
NEXT ROUND
Saturday 22 January draw:
- Adamstown CC Premier Hotel v Wests DCC Water Board (Adamstown Park Oval # 2)
- Merewether DCC v Mary Ellen Mudrats (Connolly Park)
- Nelson Bay CC v Wallsend DCC (Don Waring Oval)
- Wests DCC Journeymen v Port Stephens Pythons (Jesmond Park)
- Redhead CC v Newcastle City Adamstown Rosebuds (Liles Oval #1)
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.