Northern Suburbs paceman Tim Field claimed a hat-trick and finished with 5-21 to set up victory for Maitland against Cessnock in the opening round of the John Bull Shield.
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Field, who was playing in his first John Bull Shield game, said it was his first hat-trick since junior ranks.
Maitland bowled first and dismissed Cessnock for 102.
Maitland, led by an opening knock of 46 by Australian under-17 player Will Fort, reached their target in the 25th over for the loss of five wickets.
Maitland captain Lincoln Mills gave Fort solid support scoring 33.
Mills and Fort both fell victim to catches off the bowling of Cameron Ross who finished with 2-27.
Ben Reid was the other chief wicket taker for Cessnock finishing with 2-23.
It was a strong all-round performance by Maitland in the field with all the bowlers turning out economical figures.
Former Singleton representative player Cael Smith had a strong debut game for Maitland taking 2-12, Alex Seamer and Dan Willis both got a wicket each.
Mills said Field bowled extremely well to put Cessnock on the back foot early.
“It really was a fantastic spell of bowling. He had us on top early, a hat-trick in a rep game is a bloody good effort,” he said.
Field had Rob Drage caught behind by keeper Josh Moxey with the fifth ball of his second over. He claimed the prize wicket of Drew Olson judged lbw with his final ball of the over and completed the hat-trick with the bowling Ben Fairlie with the first ball of his third over.
“I’m wrapped that was my first hat-trick since junior,” Field said.
“I’ve been selected four or five times but it was my first John Bull game as well.
“The previous times the game has been either washed out or I’ve been injured and missed it.”
Maitland hosts Singleton in round two of the shield on December 3. Cessnock are away to Newcastle C&S.
