The feat was all the more remarkable as most of the previous A-grade team had gone up to compete in the Maitland first grade competition.

Former Paterson skipper Rod Faulkner and 2019 captain Dean Bridges combined for a last-wicket partnership of 62 to almost pull off an unlikely win.

Coming together at 9/89, Faulkner finished on 58 not out and Bridges was last man out for 25 as they fell eight runs short of Port Stephens' total of 159.

Faulkner came in with the score on 5/28 and lifted Paterson to 70 in a 32-run partnership with Nathan Mudd (20).

When two quick wickets fell to take Paterson to 8/72 it seemed defeat was only a matter of overs away.

However, Adam Kidd (6) and then Bridges stuck with Faulkner to reduce the target.

When Bridges was dismissed lbw the Port Stephens players rushed together in relief and joy to claim their sixth A-grade premiership in a row.

Port Stephens bowler Brock Hawley, who tore through the Paterson top order, was man of the match.

On a great weekend for the club, the Pythons featured in the A, B and C-grade finals, winning A and C-grades.

Seaham prevented a clean sweep defeating Port Stephens by 133 runs after posting 7-208. Captain Robert Bartlett top scored for Seaham with 59 and Michael Banister picked up 4-22 in dismissing Port for 75.

In C-grade, minor premiers Tarro went down by 40 runs after Port posted 2/167 led by 84 not out by Nathan Humble. Josh Barrett picked up four wickets for the Pythons.

Fred Harvey Memorial's bowlers shared the wickets around to secure a 64-run win against Old Victoria Hotel in the D-grade grand final.

Jeffrey Duncan with 25 and Bryce Hadfield 24 led the way as FHM made 119. Old Victoria were all out for 55 in reply.