BELLINGEN are the champions of Coffs Harbour cricket after winning the Coffs Harbour District Cricket Association’s first grade grand final.

Bellingen Cricket Club claimed this season’s title in dominant style with a 9 wicket win against Nana Glen in their grand final at Fitzroy Oval.

Bellingen produced a fantastic bowling performance to dismiss Nana Glen for 41, with Joel Northcott and William Russell both taking 3 wickets, with Northcott taking 3/15 from his 5.5 overs, and Russell taking 3/13 from his 5 overs.

Julian Hulbert also had a stellar spell taking 2/4 from his 6 overs.

Bellingen reached the total in the 11th over and just one wicket down.

The win was extra special for the club, as Bellingen Cricket Club won the first-grade trophy for the first time since joining the Coffs Harbour District Cricket Association’s competition more than 20 years ago.

Bellingen Cricket Club president Simon Degenhard gave a recap of his club’s history making win.

“After winning the toss, Bello Captain Julian Hulbert elected to bowl on what turned out to be a very pleasant afternoon for cricket,” he said.

“During a fantastic opening spell, Nana Glen’s innings quickly went pear shaped, with wickets falling in fast succession.

“The Bello bowling attack just kept on coming and coupled with sharp fielding throughout, Nana just didn’t stand a chance of recovering, the final score: 10/41!

“Our boys then set about chasing the target down, passing Nana’s tally 1 wicket down after 10 overs.

“The presentation soon followed, at which young fast bowler, William Russell was the deserving recipient of the player of the match award for his brilliant opening spell, taking 3/13 from 5 overs.

“A huge congratulations to the whole first grade squad, along with the entire Bellingen Cricket Club on a fantastic season, you’ve all done Bello Shire proud!”

Sawtell Cricket Club won the second grade grand final by 3 wickets against Nana Glen Blue at Richardson Park.

Nana Glen opened the batting and was dismissed for 81, with Nathan Smith the best of the Sawtell bowlers with a sensational spell of 5/8 from 5.1 overs.

Sawtell reached the total in the 25th over, with the successful chase led home by James Arnold who finished on 24 not out.

Nana Glen Lizards won the third grade grand final with a 6 wicket win against the Northern Districts Rebels at Nana Glen.

The Nana Glen bowlers rose to the occasion dismissing the Rebels for 60, with Manat Singh having a superb spell of 3/10 from his 5 overs.

By Aiden BURGESS