While the top three teams Ports Stephens first and second XIs and Paterson are starting to establish a break on the opposition, only four points separates fourth-placed Lakeside Village and three chasing teams – Seaham, Raworth and SMR all on 18 points.

Bowthorne is eighth on 17 points and a win by Regal Hunter Tigers against SMR lifts them to 16 points and very much still in the hunt for finals.

Lochinvar on 15 points is also part of the equation.

Port Stephens 1^st XI remained unbeaten with six-wicket win against Raworth who made 172.  with Jake Baldwin (39), Andrew Nisbit (34 not out) and Christopher Rose (34 off 24 balls) leading the scoring.

The Pythons reached their target in 20 overs with Jarrod Moxey out on 98, one of Luke Alcorn’s three victims.

Bowthorne total of 142, which included 42 by Ryan Stallworthy, wasn’t enough against Port Stephens 2^nd XI who replied with 5-151.

After collecting the four points via a Seaham forfeit in round eight, Paterson had another easy day beating Lochinvar by six wickets.

Russell Presland had a good day taking 2-16 and finishing on 25 not out as Paterson dismissed Lochinvar for 86 and reached their target in 16.3 overs. Chris Merchant made 33. 

Lakeside Village missed the chance to skip seven points clear of the chasing pack when they were unable to defend their total of 6/206 against Seaham.

Christopher McCabe top scored for the Panthers with 70 supported by Nathan Gardner (50) and Bradley Brien (42) who was one of two run out victims.

Seaham’s openers Shayne Taylor (89) and Cameron McLean (29) combined for an opening stand of 101 before McLean’s departure was followed by two quick wickets to leave them on 3/107. Robert Bartlett and Ed Meredith ensured they got the points finishing not out on 36 and 23 respectively as Seaham posted 7/208 in 33.2 overs.

Matthew Trowbridge and Stuart Elliott had big days as Regal Hunter bundled SMR out for 164 after posting 5/226. Trowbridge finished on 89 not out and claimed 3-47. Elliott took 4-23 and made 43.