Newman Cricket Association dominate C Grade to grab country week title while Port Hedland claim D Grade crown

A massive century from opener Calum How powered Newman Cricket Association to an eight-wicket victory over Eastern Districts to claim the C Grade crown at this year’s country week tournament. Newman had been a powerhouse all tournament, finishing the pool stage on top of the ladder with two wins and one loss having scored 599 while taking 28 wickets going into the finals. How was the standout player, averaging 90.5 and scoring 362 runs with a top score of 130 while taking 13 wickets at a clip of 8.38. Michael Rowe was the next-highest scorer with 141 runs at 35.25 and Nathan Hayes and Duggie Brownlie each took 11 wickets. The inland Pilbara side got off to a blistering start in the tournament blasting 6-386 to demolish Eastern Goldfields by 184 runs. A shock loss to Avon could have derailed Newman’s hopes, but the side rallied and defeated Geraldton to secure top spot on the ladder. In the grand final Eastern Districts batted first, toiling hard to make 8-214 from their 50 overs. Chris Hamilton and Lenny Oliver bowled well, taking three wickets a piece. Needing 215 to win, openers How (111) and Rowe got off to a blistering start with an 84-run opening partnership before Rowe was dismissed for 40. William Bellis (50 not out) then joined How at the crease as the pair continued to punish the bowlers before How’s innings came to an end to leave Newman 2-187 in a dominant position. The batting side chased down the total with ease, finishing 2-215 with 17 overs to spare. In D Grade, Port Hedland scored a 108-run victory over Peel in the grand final to be crowned champions. Batting first, openers Chris Briody and Razi Zain were flying along before stalwart Briody was dismissed for 58 with Port Hedland sitting at 1-151. Zain continued to fly along making 101 with eight fours and two sixes before he fell, leaving Hedland on 3-180. A quickfire 34 from Jarrad O’Dea pushed the score up above 200 with the side finishing on 5-234. Disciplined bowling from Briody (3-8) and Patrick Miller (3-25) tore apart Peel’s top order before Peel were bowled out for 126.