The Newcastle District Cricket Association's first-grade competition delivered a spectacular pre-Christmas finale on Saturday, December 20, 2025, with drama, record chases, and stunning individual performances ensuring the mid-season break begins with a bang.
City Claims Top Spot in Nail-Biting Final Over
In the match of the round, City held their nerve to defeat Belmont by a mere 13 runs in a breathtaking contest that went down to the final three balls at No.1 Sportsground. Chasing a massive target of 334, Belmont, powered by another magnificent century from English import Fletcha Middleton, fell just short, all out for 321.
Middleton, fresh from a double-century in his previous outing, scored 140 and was the last man dismissed, caught off the bowling of City's leg-spinner Archie Lenham (4-121). City skipper Callan Fowler, who also contributed with 4-88 with his off-spin, described the two-day affair as a "crazy game" and expressed relief at securing the win.
The victory, coupled with Stockton's surprise loss, propelled City to the top of the NDCA ladder with 42 points, two clear of their rivals. "Given Stockton's loss to Waratah, we're now sitting on top which is nice heading into Christmas," Fowler said.
Charlestown's Rare Feat and a Teenage Ton
In another remarkable result, Charlestown pulled off a rare reverse outright victory against University at Kahibah Oval. After trailing by eight runs in the first innings, Charlestown's bowlers, led by Daniel Chillingworth (5-46), skittled University for 125 in their second dig. The Magpies then chased down the target two wickets down, with Kel Wilson (67*) and captain Daniel Arms (52*) sharing an unbroken century stand.
Meanwhile, teenage batting sensation Harry Price made a triumphant return to the NDCA for Merewether. The 17-year-old, last season's leading run-scorer, marked his comeback with a blistering 120 not out from just 97 balls against Toronto, smashing 19 boundaries in the process.
Ladder Shake-Up and Tight Finishes
The round caused a significant shake-up on the competition ladder. Stockton's loss to 11th-placed Waratah-Mayfield was a major upset, with Waratah sneaking home with two wickets and 13 balls to spare thanks to Adrian Isherwood's all-round efforts (4-61, 73*). Cardiff-Boolaroo also won a thriller by two wickets against Hamilton-Wickham.
Defending champions Wallsend consolidated third spot after a dominant bowling display from Will Parkinson (6-26) and Callum Gabriel (3-27) routed Wests for 87. The competition now takes a festive break, with play set to resume on Saturday, January 3.
NDCA First-Grade Ladder (Post-Round 8): City 42, Stockton 40, Wallsend 39, Charlestown 35, Hamilton-Wickham 29, Belmont 26, Merewether 26, University 25, Wests 23, Cardiff-Boolaroo 21, Waratah-Mayfield 18, Toronto 6.
