After pulling off a thrilling tie to start their campaign, they posted a 54-run win over Newcastle.

“We performed a lot better today allround,” coach Kel Walls said.

“Our fielding was a lot sharper, our catching was good and our bowling was much improved.”

The batsmen set it up with CN smacking 6-187 from their 40 overs.

Beau Parnell was again good at the top of the order, following up his first day 59 with 47, and with opening partner Zac Clarke (17) really laid the foundation.

They put on 40 in about eight overs in a “nice lively partnership”.

Parnell and Nick Page, who was run out one short of his half-century, then added 73 for the third wicket, valuable contributions from Cotter Litchfield (15), Hunter Ball (15) and Oscar Spinks (12) pushing CN out to the highest score of the carnival so far.

“It was a good batting performance,” Walls said.

“To get nearly 190 was excellent.”

With the heavier field they thought 150/160 would be a good score.

They then got the perfect start with Jack Sylvester striking first ball.

“They never really recovered,” Walls said.

“They were about 4-60 at the second drinks break.”

The key was bowling good line and length and keeping the extras down.

Sylvester was the only multiple wicket-taker and finished with 2-20. Parnell, Litchfield and Spinks shared the other wickets, Spinks also picking up a run-out.