The Colts, who are Maitland’s under-23 development team, batted first and were all out for 213 but were able to dismiss Upper Hunter for 157.

City United’s Karl Bowd opened and led the batting with 61 before becoing one of Gavin Newton-Smith’s four wickets when he was caught by Edam Tickle.

Newton-Smith also claimed the wickets of top-order batsman Blake Chandler (17), Jamie Kraike (24) and Jono Gabriel for six.

Jake Teague bowled a handy three-over spell to claim 3-19 and Nathan Connor cleaned up the tail to finish with 2-26 from eight overs.

Riley Harrison, Lleyton Everleigh and Brendon Crouch also made valuable contributions for Colts scoring 21, 18 and 17 respectively.

The Colts bowlers made early breakthroughs and it was up to Connor (44), Isaac Smith (29) and Chris Simpson (27 not out) score the majority of Upper Hunter’s score.

Smith and Connor both fell to Harrison who finished with 3-43 from 10 overs. Alex Seamer grabbed 3-21 including the key wickets of opener Teague for a duck and No.4 Tom Wilson for 5.

City United spinner Ryan Merrick had the hand in two wickets dismissing tailender Matt Dawson and running out Jeremy Smith.

The Colts are virtually assured a spot in the finals and meet Dungog and District Cricket Association in the final round on January 29 

Bradman Cup

Central North will not defend their Bradman Cup title after losing their opening two games in this year’s tournament in Newcastle.

The Central North team, featuring several Maitland district players, was defeated by Riverina by six wickets on the opening day after being dismissed for 135.

Skipper Will Fort top-scored with 34 and Callum Gabriel and Jacob Page were next best with 23 and 22.

Conrad George claimed all four wickets for Central North finishing with 4-32.

In Tuesday’s game, Central North fell 69 runs short of North Coastal’s total of 7/286 being dismissed for 217.

Fort top-scored again with 69. Opener Page was again in the runs scoring 25, while Lachlan Barton contribued 37.