Maitland John Bull Shield batsmen nearly break 100-year record against Singleton

But it’s a winning score all right.

It is in fact the total Maitland John Bull Shield team’s batting lineup compiled in their 50 overs against Singleton at Howe Park on Sunday – and which resulted in an easy win.

The huge total had old timers scratching their heads, wondering if it was a one-day batting record.

But cricket historian Lindsay Wood was on the case and he went scurrying for the record books.

It seems it’s the best total in nearly 100 years – but no, it’s not a record.

“Actually in a John Bull Shield match against Upper Hunter at Maitland Showground on December 26, 1924 Hunter River – which was the earlier name of the Maitland District Association – declared at 4 for 426,” Mr Wood said.

“Hunter River all-rounder Gordon Bell who played for Morpeth Club put on a powerhouse display of big hitting that day, scoring 215 not out in an innings that included 10 sixes and 20 fours.”

Either way it was a demolition job, with Singleton managing just 140 in reply.

For Maitland, the runs started coming from the start and didn’t stop.

Opener Ricky Dent was stumped for 72, Jarrod Moxey scored 135 batting at number 4, and then all rounder Daniel Upward, coming in at number 7, really put the bowling attack to the sword with a whirlwind 86 from just 39 balls as Maitland raced past the 400-barrier. 

In a wonderful all-round display Upward also took four wickets.

Dan Foster (38), Logan Smith (25) and Tom Irwin (26 not out) also contributed with the bat while Tim Field picked up three wickets with the ball.

In the other match, Upper Hunter easily accounted for Newcastle City and Suburban. C&S was dismissed for just 63 and in reply Upper Hunter knocked off the runs in 11.4 overs for the loss of four wickets.

Cessnock had the bye.