Northern Suburbs won the annual Punch Bowl 10-over cricket competition with some big and adventurous hitting by skipper Michael Wilson.
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Wilson clubbed two big sixes and had The 1877 Club fieldsmen running in all directions.
Norths finished with 6/97 off their 10 overs after The 1877 Club posted 8/82.
The two teams qualified for the final as the two highest scoring sides posting 95 and 88 respectively in their 10-over preliminary matches.
But while there were plenty of ring-ins and the competitive spirit of sportsmen and women clicked in once they walked out onto the field, the emphasis was on good fun and raising money to help Dom Punch to purchase a purpose-built car.
Punch, who suffered spinal injuries while playing for the Maitland Blacks, was on the sidelines enjoying the great social event.
Organising committee spokesman Patrick Howard said they planned to make the Punch Bowl an annual event, but would be looking at having a different sport each year.
“The Maitland sporting community has really got behind us and after two years of cricket it is probably time to switch sports to soccer, five-a-side netball or basketball,” he said.
“We’ve got plenty of choices and it’s growing in popularity each year. To get eight teams competing this year is great and I think it will grow.”
The eight teams involved were the Punch XI, The George Netball, Norths, Maitland Magpies, The George Tavern, Maitland Rugby Club, Maitland Mustangs and The 1877 Club.
