Thornton scored 8-66 in defeating Largs by nine runs at Louth Park in the annual primary school cricket competition.

There were nine round matches played in total, featuring 16 schools across five venues.

Metford scored a major win over Beresfield, scoring 3-114 compared to 54 at SMR, but it was a closer encounter between St Phillip’s Christian College, Cessnock (6-67) and Pelaw Main (5-58) at Robins Oval.

Gresford experienced mixed results at GUOOF with a 16-run triumph against Seaham in the morning but then went down by 12 runs to Karuah in the afternoon.

Gresford made more runs in the loss, 133, but Karuah ended up 5-143 in reply while Gresford’s 3-127 proved too many for Seaham (8-111) earlier in the day.

Event organiser Rob Adams said he was pleased with the gala day debut.

“For a lot of kids it is their first time playing cricket, first chance to play at Maitland Park and first game with official umpires,” he said.

“So it was a very successful day.”

Reg Kelly Shield preliminary games are to be completed by November 13.

Semi-finals will follow.

St John the Baptist are the defending champions.