The Summit Cessnock District Cricket Association’s John Bull Shield representative
side advanced to its fifth straight final by overcoming Upper Hunter by seven wickets at Miller Park on January 12.
In what was technically a semi-final, as was the other final round match between Newcastle Suburban District and Maitland, Upper Hunter were asked to bat first and were dismissed for 117.
Skipper Jack Pennell led the way with 29, with Mac Crowe (15), Lachlan Cheshire (14no), Josh Davis (13) and Hayden Quinlivan (13) all making starts.
Hudson Smith bowled beautifully for Cessnock, taking 4-29 off 9.5, receiving great support from Matt Hopley who was very economically with 3-23 off 10.
Cessnock wasted no time reeling in the small target in reply, taking just 17.3 overs and losing three wickets. Rob Drage led the way with 34, Hopley finished off a great all-round weekend with 27, with Connor Thomson (15no) and skipper Joey Butler (15) among the runs.
Competition leaders Maitland overcame Newcastle Suburban District at Warners Bay to take the minor premiership, and will now take on Cessnock in Maitland on either Sunday, February 9, or Sunday February 16, at a venue to be confirmed.
Cessnock will contest the Country Plate Zone playoff when they travel to Tamworth on February 2 to take on Northern Tablelands based district Gwydir. The winner of this match will play the semi-final on 9th February, with the winner to contest the final in Sydney on 23rd February.
JOHN BULL SHIELD FINAL STANDINGS
Maitland 20
Cessnock 17
Upper Hunter 16
Suburban District 13
Singleton 10
-Mark Bercini
