The batsman gave their bowlers plenty of runs to work with making 6/267 from their 50 overs against Newcastle C&S.

But the bowlers ensured it was a one-sided affair dismissing their opponents for just 115 in the 37^th over.

The bowling effort was led by Port Stephens bowler Lleyton Eveleigh, who finished with 4-28.  Tim Field (2-22) and Brent Dawes (2-21) both got a brace and Alex Seamer and teenage spinner Sean Gibson both picked up a wicket each.

It was another strong batting performance by Maitland with three half-centuries in their total.

Josh Tuckwell top scored with 77, Tom Irwin was unbeaten on 70 from just 57 balls and Jarrod Moxey made a run-a-ball 50 to go with his 135 in the John Bull Shield thrashing of Singleton.

Eveleigh topped off a fine performance with a rapid-fire 29 off just 20 balls coming in at No.8.

Maitland have effectively booked their spot in the shield grand final on February 10.

Their final qualifying round match is against the Upper Hunter, who are also unbeaten, with winner of the January 13 encounter to host the grand final.

Upper Hunter smashed Cessnock's hopes of making the final dismissing them for just 83 in 21.5 overs.

There was a glimmer of hope with Upper Hunter slumping to 3/18 early but Hayden Quinlivan with 28 and Alex McNeill who was unbeaten on 30 steadied the innings.

Upper Hunter reached the target in 17.4 overs for the loss of four wickets.