The titles pitted the top three teams from the northern country NSW division and the top three teams from the Sydney metro division against one another in each grade. 

The Panther’s premier side made it the furtherest out of the four teams, reaching the semi-finals where they were knocked out by the Newcastle Steel. 

Captain of the premier side, Barry Richards, said the team was “rapt” to reach the semis of the state competition after a season in the northern division which was often challenging.  

“We had a bit of a tough year with injuries and a lot of new guys who haven’t played much indoor cricket,” Richards said. 

“To be competing alongside the best in the state in four grades, it’s great for us.”

The premier side finished the round robin table in second place, guaranteeing their place in the finals.

The Maitland sides in the men’s twos, men’s three and masters divisions failed to make it past the round robin stage.

The titles saw 24 teams competing across the indoor centre’s four courts, with about 300 people coming to town to play or spectate.

“To have state finals held here is a big achievement for the centre,” Richards said. 

Richards said having four teams qualify for the titles was another proud moment for indoor cricket in Maitland and a sign of the game strengthening in the region.

“Out of all the state and all the grades, it shows the strength we’ve got coming through,” Richards said. 

He was also confident that the indoor version of the game was helping strengthen development paths for young players in the outdoor version.

“It’s a great achievement and it’s developing into another pathway for young guys playing cricket.”