The Newcastle District Cricket Association's first-grade competition delivered high drama in its inaugural two-day fixture, headlined by Belmont's emphatic outright victory and Stockton's last-ball heroics.
Belmont's Commanding Outright Victory
Belmont has virtually repeated its round-one heroics, securing a comprehensive outright result against Toronto at Ron Hill Oval. After opening the season with a 10-wicket win, the Whips dominated proceedings across both Saturdays of round six.
Resuming on day two at 3-99 in reply to Toronto's 168, Belmont declared at 9-223 before bundling out the hosts for 112 in their second innings. The Whips then raced to 1-61 from just 5.1 overs to complete the victory.
Belmont all-rounder Connor Gibson stole the show with 80 runs combined (61 and 19 not out) and match figures of 7-47, including 4-30 on November 22. Adam Winchester provided the finishing fireworks, smashing five sixes in his unbeaten 39 during the rapid chase.
Stockton's Thrilling Chase and League Leaders
At Lynn Oval, Stockton's Izach Dennis finished a tense run chase in spectacular fashion, hitting a six to wrap up the ladder leader's two-wicket win against defending premiers Wallsend.
Dennis produced the match-winning blow on his fourth delivery as the Seagulls reached 8-230 in their 60th over, surpassing the Tigers' first-innings total of 229.
The victory followed the crucial partnership between centurion Jeff Goninan (102) and Adrian Chad (38), who combined for 99 runs after Stockton found themselves in trouble at 6-125. This result avenged last weekend's defeat to Wallsend in the Tom Locker Cup 50-over final.
Around the Grounds and T20 Summer Bash Launch
Elsewhere in the competition, Charlestown (269) and City (244) both comfortably collected first-innings points but fell short of outright victories against Waratah-Mayfield (151, 3-102) and Hamilton-Wickham (77, 1-78) respectively.
Archie Lenham's 6-27 for City at No.1 Sportsground was particularly impressive, sparking a collapse of 4-9. Wests maintained control at Harker Oval, with Tyler McInnes' 4-51 ensuring University (206) never threatened their previous week's total of 345.
The match between Cardiff-Boolaroo (2-43) and Merewether (193) ended in a draw after play at Pasterfield Sports Complex was completely washed out on day two.
The NDCA announced the upcoming T20 Summer Bash will officially launch under lights at Singleton's Howe Park on Friday, December 5 (7pm), with the Hunter Thoroughbreds due to host the Black Roses (Cardiff-Boolaroo). Eleven fixtures are scheduled across five venues the following Sunday (December 11).
The stand-alone competition resumes in the new year, featuring a series of midweek encounters at No.1 Sportsground from January 13 to February 11. The finals series spans three consecutive weekends, starting with quarter-finals on February 15 and concluding with the title decider on March 3.
Current NDCA ladder: Stockton 33, City 30, Charlestown 28, Wallsend 27, Hamwicks 22, Wests 21, University 20, Belmont 19, Merewether 19, Waratah-Mayfield 11, CBs 9, Toronto 4.
