The Cessnock District Cricket Association's John Bull Shield representative team got its season off to a flying start with a 22-run victory over arch-rivals Maitland at Lorn Park on Sunday.
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Cessnock batted first and were all out for 130 in the 33rd over of the 50 over contest. Jason Varoxis (30), Matt Hopley (26), Mark Crowfoot and Cameron Ross (17-apiece) led the way with the bat.
Raymond Terrace's Brayden Brooks picked up 3-9 off four overs and Tenambit Morpeth teenager Alex Lidbury (3-22) and Western Suburbs paceman Harry King (3-30) also claimed three-wicket hauls.
Maitland were all out in the 43rd over in reply for 108, with Brooks completing a fine all-round match top scoring with 25.
Brooks' Bulls teammate Hunter Ball and Eastern Suburbs skipper Michael Gavan both made 18 to be the only other batsman to reach double figures.
Zach Sneesby was superb with the new ball taking 4-19 off 10, with Ross capping a good game with 3-34 off 10.
Just as the doctor ordered, Cessnock took every chance that came to them in the field, with sharp chances taken in the slips and gully by Hopley and Crowfoot. Hudson Smith took the winning catch on the run.
The match between Suburban District and Upper Hunter ended in a thrilling tie, with both teams locked on 169.
Former Port Stephens Pythons all-rounder Jarrod Moxey top scored for Suburban with 50. Daniel Andrews led the Suburban bowling attack taking 4-9.
Singleton had the bye.
In round 2 action on Sunday, November 22, Maitland travel to take on Singleton at Howe Park and Cessnock host Suburban District at East End Oval. Upper Hunter has the bye.
