Round 6 of the Newcastle District Cricket Association premierships saw Stockton and Northern Districts take on Newcastle City Cricket Club in all grades and our partner club Port Stephens Pythons up against Redhead Cricket Club in the Suburban Districts Competition.
In First Grade at Learmonth Park skipper Foster lost the toss and the seagulls were asked to bowl first on what appeared a good looking pitch. Early pressure was applied by Tom O’Neill and Lucas Sargent but Newcastle City fought strongly to reach 2 for 80 at lunch and be in command. After the break, the Stockton & Northern Districts bowlers dominated to dismantle Newcastle City for 130 in 56 overs with Tom O’Neill taking 5 for 28 and Nick Foster 3 for 34. The seagulls finished day one in a strong position at 1 for 81 and continued with a strong start on day two, easily passing the total of 130 on the way to 5 for 228 (dec) with Nick Foster scoring his maiden first grade century with 102 and Keith Moody scoring 56 in another strong showing. After the declaration, Newcastle City limped to 6 for 117 at the close of play with Nick Foster snaring 2 for 17. A commanding win for first grade to continue the strong start to the season.
At Lynn Oval, Newcastle City batted most of day one to post 247 on a typical Lynn Oval wicket. Brodie Cox was the star with the ball again with 3 for 42 and Kye Zanardi also chimed in with 3 for 58. Day two was all about the seagulls batsman as just about everyone that strapped the pads on was in the runs with James O’Keefe scoring 97 and Laurence Kelly scoring 91 as second grade finished the day at 5 for 360 for a dominant win.
Third grade dominated the Newcastle City batting line up when the declaration came at 9 for 107 leaving the Seagulls a modest total to chase which was ultimately achieved comfortably after Ameen Khiyani peeled of off a watchful 55 not out. Stockton & Northern Districts declared at 2 for 121 as the push for an outright victory was on. Unfortunately, Newcastle City reached safety at 3 for 86 when stumps were pulled.
Fourth grade couldn’t quite get the job done in their match at Corroba Oval. Newcastle City posted an imposing 6 for 170 from their 35 overs which proved to be too many for the seagulls as we could only muster 87 in response. Nathan Kench was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 47 and Mick Owens the best with the willow with 21 at the top of the order.
In Suburban Districts our partner club Port Stephens Pythons were able to defend 76 in a very low scoring affair as Redhead could only scrape together 62 in response.
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