For Kurri opening batsman Casey Capper it was breaking new ground. 

But the end result was the same – both steered their teams to big first innings totals in the clash of the top four teams in the Maitland District first grade competition. On a beautiful sunny day and two true wickets at Raymond Terrace and at Lorn, both sides batted first and both cashed in.

Down at the Terrace, opener Capper scored his maiden first grade century as the confident Kurri outfit amassed a formidable 9-302 at stumps.

“It was a good effort from our guys because we usually struggle at Raymond Terrace for some reason,” Capper’s opening partner Tyler Power said.

“The outfield was slow too, and it’s a big ground so we’re delighted with that.

“We know Terrace are a good side and the job is only half done, but it’s certainly a good start.”

After Power went early for 4, Capper was joined by the aggressive Joshua Tuckwell and they took the score to 94 before Tuckwell fell for 54.

It continues a golden start to the season for Tuckwell with scores of 62 and 45 in his previous two innings.

All the while Capper continued steadily, playing the rock. He had scored a couple of 90s in first grade, but never quite notched the three-figure milestone.

He was joined by the busy Isaac Barry who scored  53, constantly rotating the strike – a good follow up to his unbeaten 85 in his previous innings against Wests.

Daniel Foster pitched in with 27 in what was a superb team effort.

“As a team we’re going along nicely right now,”  Power said. “Everyone seems to be contributing. Josh has been on fire with the bat, Isaac has been great, and our bowlers have been tight.”

At Lorn, the Trappel boys, Josh and Ben, wrestled the game away from the home side.

Norths showed good spirit to claw their way back into it, although it will take a big effort to scored the 289 needed for victory.

Josh and Ben joined forces to steer City United to 2-220, but when both fell, Norths were able to do damage limitation and restrict City to 288 all out.

“Josh and Ben batted well and we didn’t get much of a look in,” Norths skipper Mike Wilson said. “It was really good batting … Ben got 76 and Josh 124, so it was hard work for our bowlers.

“They were solid early and started to open up as they went along. Our off spinner Jordan Callinan picked up 6-69 and bowled steadily.

“It was a good wicket and if we get similar conditions I have confidence in our side.” 

In other matches Wests and Thornton are both in a position to push for outright points against Easts and Port Stephens.

After scoring 182 Wests have Easts tottering at  8-98.

And Thornton dismissed Port Stephens for 92 (Jack Reeves 5-17) and already have first innings points in the bag at 4-157.