After a strong display with the bat, the boys backed up with the ball, restricting Newcastle to 9-124 in reply to their 7-217.

“They played exceptionally well,” co-coach Peter Mead.

They did have a bit of a shaky start and were 3-10 after five overs, and “under the pump”.

“That brought Benji Marshall and Cotter Litchfield together and they took the score from 3-10 to 4-106,” Mead said.

“It was a brilliant partnership. It was patient yet coupled with aggressive shots. They found the boundary on a regular basis.”

Cotter made 53 and Marshall 40. Hunter Ball then came out and hit a retired run-a-ball 50, similarly finding the boundary with regularity.

Tom Dixon also made a cameo 17 to push them above 200 from their 45 overs.

The biggest issue for them defending that was juggling the bowling.

“We've got 10 bowlers in the side,” Mead said.

“The plan for the day was to share the bowling around as much as possible.”

Cameron Wynn led the charge with 2-9 off seven.

“He bowled quite quickly and accurately,” he said.

Oscar Spinks also bowled "with some good heat” for 2-10 from four. 

Alex McNeill also chimed in with 2-18, Matt Holmes 1-19 and Beau Parnell 1-20, while captain Joey Mead finished with 0-4 off six.

Mead (Peter) also acknowledged the efforts of keeper Callum Henry. He is playing up an age group.