WEEK 7
Once again not much to report, with all bar two Cessnock district cricket matches washed out on the weekend after some heavy showers late last week.
In third grade Paxton/Luguna took on Greta/Branxton at Laguna, with the home side coming away with a narrow four wicket victory in the 39th over of the game.
Greta/Branxton skipper Andrew Ernst won the toss and elected to bat, with all bar one of the eight Blues batsman making starts in their 8-143. Brendan Jones led the way with 28, Travis Stevens was next best with 21, with Ernst (20), Steve Peace (19), Beau Lantry (18), Josh Bartlett (13) and Kyle Akhurst (13) all contributing to the modest total. Jack Bailey (3-26 off 10), Darren Philip (3-46 off 10) and Mark Dixon II (3-49 off 10) all took a treble of wickets each for the home side.
An exciting run chase eventuated in reply, with the Wombats scraping past the target with just the one over to spare after losing 6 wickets. Dennis Jackson carried his bat at the top of the order with a match winning 74no which included 11 boundaries. He received good support from Bailey 31, while Alan Taylor was the other batsman to make a start with 12. Dayne Sommers was the best of the Greta/Branxton attack, bagging 3-40 off 10.
Points Tables
First Grade Mulbring 40, Bellbird 36, Greta/Branxton 35, Supporters 34, Wine Country 30, Peden’s Hotel 23.
Second Grade Greta/Branxton 43, Bellbird 39, Supporters 38, Paxton 36, Mulbring 35, Peden’s Hotel 30, Wine Country 22, Criterion 20.
Third Grade Paxton 45, Bellbird 38, Supporters 38, Peden’s Hotel 34, Wine Country 20*, Greta/Branxton 19*.
* Still have game in hand.
Fourth Grade Greta/Branxton Blue 38, Supporters 37, Supporters Gold 36, Paxton 34,
Greta/Branxton 33, Mulbring 26.
Club Championship Supporters 230.53, Greta/Branxton 223.90, Bellbird 218.70, Mulbring 195.65, Peden’s Hotel 160.10, Wine Country 149, Paxton 137.10, Criterion 40.
Club Championship Formula:- First Grade x 2.8, Second Grade x 2.0, Third Grade x 1.05, Fourth Grade x 0.525.
NB: Only Greta/Branxton Blue and Supporters fourth grade teams contribute to club championship points.