Newcastle have won the men’s McDonald’s Country Championships trophy for a record fifth consecutive year, defeating Central Coast by seven wickets in the competition decider held at Number 1 Oval, Newcastle, on Sunday.
Newcastle re-writes history with fifth straight McDonald’s Country Championships title
Central Coast chose to bat following the toss but failed to take advantage of superb conditions at No.1 Oval.
An opening partnership of 57 from Jake Hardy (26) and Joe Hawkins (32) proved to be the largest of their innings, as they were all out for 209.
Newcastle’s spinners did the damage, with Aaron Bills (4-50) dismissing the Coast’s top four for not many, before captain Nick Foster (4-29) cleaned up the lower middle-order and tail.
The hosts cruised to a successful run chase, surpassing their target in the 44th over for the loss of only three wickets.
An aggressive 78-run innings (63 balls) from opener Aaron Wivell was supported by solid knocks from Logan Weston (49) and Jeffrey Goninan (59 not out).
Aaron Bills was presented the Mark Curry Medal as Player of the Final for his terrific spell.
McDonald’s Country Championships Final
Central Coast 209 (J Hawkins 32, B Lidgard 30, A Bills 4-50, N Foster 4-29) defeated by Newcastle 3/210 (A Wivell 78, J Goninan 59no, L Weston 49)
POTM | Aaron Bills
Cricket NSW and Country Cricket NSW would like to thank competition sponsor, McDonald’s, for their continual support, and Newcastle City Council and their ground staff on providing a beautifully prepared ground for the final.
You can view the full scorecard from the fixture: HERE
You can watch the live-stream from the final: HERE