The 2026–27 Newcastle District Cricket Association (NDCA) First Grade Rippit Premiership season got underway on Saturday, October 10, with six matches producing impressive individual performances, commanding victories and an early statement from the competition’s contenders.
Waratah-Mayfield’s Callum Rainger delivered the standout performance of the opening round, smashing an unbeaten 111 to guide his side to victory over Hamilton-Wickham. Belmont, Charlestown, Toronto, Merewether and defending premiers Stockton also started their campaigns with wins.
Waratah-Mayfield steal the show as Rainger explodes late
Waratah-Mayfield produced one of the most remarkable innings of the opening round, defeating Hamilton-Wickham by 27 runs at Passmore Oval.
After a late collapse left Waratah-Mayfield struggling at 9-141, Rainger launched an extraordinary counterattack. The returning Central Coast recruit finished unbeaten on 111 from just 59 deliveries, transforming the innings with a remarkable display of power hitting.
Rainger struck six sixes in the final 19 balls he faced, scoring 56 runs during that period. He combined with number 11 Jay Boyd, who made nine, in a last wicket partnership worth 65 runs.
Waratah-Mayfield eventually finished on 206, with Conrad Watson contributing 48 earlier in the innings.
Hamilton-Wickham fought back through Josh Trappel, who top-scored with 75, but the home side was dismissed for 179. Rainger capped off his outstanding performance with two wickets, while Nic Bourke and Sean Gibson claimed three wickets apiece.
The 27-run victory gave Waratah-Mayfield an ideal start to the season.
Belmont make a statement against reigning one day champions
Belmont opened their campaign with a convincing 98 run victory over Wallsend at Cahill Oval.
Batting first, Belmont posted 7-226, with English imports Joe Thompson and Fin Goodman making significant contributions. Thompson scored 69, while Goodman added 31 to help establish a competitive total.
Wallsend seamer Lachlan Page was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 3-30.
The response from Wallsend never gained momentum. Four batters were dismissed without scoring, and the innings fell away dramatically as the Tigers lost their final six wickets for just 13 runs.
Wallsend was eventually dismissed for 128.
Belmont captain Connor Gibson led from the front with the ball, claiming 4-34, while his older brother Lachlan added 2-18. The pair also contributed three catches between them.
It was an impressive opening performance for Belmont, who will take plenty of confidence from defeating last season’s one-day champions.
Charlestown’s new look side delivers
Charlestown began the season with a commanding 102 run win against University at Kahibah Oval.
New recruit Mitchell Lole made an immediate impact, scoring 102 to anchor the innings. His century helped Charlestown reach 8-222 from a reduced 41 overs.
The innings provided a strong platform for the visitors, who backed up their batting effort with a devastating bowling display.
University was dismissed for 120 after losing seven wickets for just 23 runs. Captain Daniel Chillingworth led the attack with 5-16, while his younger brother Toby claimed 2-19.
The result was an emphatic start for Charlestown, who have strengthened their squad during the off-season and will be looking to challenge for the premiership.
Toronto Workers edge Newcastle City
Toronto Workers started their season on a positive note, defeating Newcastle City at Ron Hill Oval.
Toronto was dismissed for 198, setting Newcastle City a challenging target. City battled throughout its reply but ultimately fell short, finishing all out for 180.
The result provided an encouraging beginning for Toronto after a difficult previous campaign.
Captain Broc Hardy and new wicketkeeper Jake Holmes had arrived from overseas only days before the match, while English recruit Matthew Holland made an immediate contribution with the ball, taking 3-25.
Toronto will hope the opening round victory provides a foundation for a more competitive season.
Merewether overcome Wests
Merewether continued its strong form with a 60 run victory over Wests at Townson Oval.
The Lions posted 8-203, with Patrick Moore producing an important unbeaten 61 to guide the innings.
Wests struggled to build a successful chase and was dismissed for 143, leaving Merewether comfortably in front.
The result gives the reigning T20 title holders a valuable opening round win as they look to build on last season’s performances.
Defending premiers Stockton start strongly
Defending premiers Stockton began their title defence with a comfortable victory over Cardiff-Boolaroo at Lynn Oval.
Weather interruptions reduced the contest to 28 overs per side, with Cardiff-Boolaroo finishing on 6-112.
Stockton made light work of the chase, reaching 2-114 with 56 balls remaining.
Aaron Bills led the way with an unbeaten 45, ensuring the Seagulls began their premiership defence with a convincing performance.
After winning last season’s premiership, Stockton will be determined to remain among the competition’s leading sides, and the opening result provides an encouraging start.
Round 1 results
- Belmont: 7-226 defeated Wallsend: 128 by 98 runs.
- Toronto Workers: 198 defeated Newcastle City: 180 by 18 runs.
- Waratah-Mayfield: 206 defeated Hamilton-Wickham: 179 by 27 runs.
- Merewether: 8-203 defeated Wests: 143 by 60 runs.
- Charlestown: 8-222 defeated University: 120 by 102 runs.
- Stockton: 2-114 defeated Cardiff-Boolaroo: 6-112 by eight wickets.
Round 1 talking points
Performance of the round: Callum Rainger’s unbeaten 111 from 59 balls, including a remarkable late assault that rescued Waratah-Mayfield from a difficult position.
Best bowling performance: Daniel Chillingworth’s 5-16 helped Charlestown dismantle University.
Biggest winning margin: Charlestown’s 102-run victory over University.
Strongest opening statement: Belmont’s 98-run win over reigning one-day champions Wallsend demonstrated that the side is capable of challenging established contenders.
The season is underway
The opening round of the NDCA First Grade Rippit Premiership has delivered an early glimpse of the competition’s depth, with several clubs making impressive starts and new recruits already influencing results.
Charlestown’s batting and bowling combination, Belmont’s all-round performance and Stockton’s efficient victory will all attract attention heading into the next round.
However, it was Rainger’s extraordinary innings that stole the headlines. Turning a precarious position into a match-winning total, the Waratah-Mayfield all-rounder produced a performance that will be remembered long after the opening weekend.
With the season now underway, the challenge for all 12 clubs is to build consistency and turn promising starts into sustained success.
Stay with Sports Rewind Media for more Newcastle cricket news, match reports and results throughout the 2026–27 season.
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