THEY dominated the Newcastle District Senior Cricket Division One competition with an exciting brand, but Port Stephens Pythons have shared honours for the 2024-25 season.
Josh Moxey’s all conquering Pythons and rivals Waterboard Wests were declared joint premiers after their recent one day Grand Final clash at Pasterfield Sports Complex was abandoned after 32 overs due to the weather.
The Pythons were in a strong position at 2-133 in the trophy decider after winning the toss, when heavy rain lashed the ground.
Club legends and talented siblings Jarrod and Josh Moxey were in vintage touch at the batting crease and poised for big scores when play was halted.
Run machine Jarrod posted an unbeaten 54 off 86 balls with four boundaries, while skipper Josh was 20 not out off 27 balls with two boundaries under his belt.
The pair had added 63 runs in an unbroken third wicket partnership after the loss of openers Tyran Eveleigh (3) and Leigh Williams (33 off 70 balls).
Waterboard quick James Earl claimed the early wicket of Eveleigh, who was caught by all-rounder Michael Rippon, with only 12 runs on the board.
The ever-consistent Williams then combined with Jarrod Moxey for a valuable 58-run second wicket stand before he was caught by Asama Radford off the bowling of Michael Rippon with the total on 70.
It was a bitter-sweet feeling for Josh Moxey and the in-form Pythons, who finished deserved minor premiers on 47 points with 10 victories and only three losses during the regular season.
“The rain marred what could have been a memorable batting performance from the Port Stephens line up”, captain Josh told News Of The Area.
“I feel Jarrod and I were in the batting groove and hitting the ball sweetly before the big wet arrived.
“We definitely had the edge over the Wests boys and felt confident of building a huge total before unleashing our heralded bowling attack on our rivals and getting the job done” he added.
The joint title is the Pythons’ third first division premiership in five seasons and continues a golden era for the proud Port Stephens club.
Waterboard Wests finished runners-up for the minor title on 43 points and lost their previous tussle with the Pythons in February at King Park by 25 runs.
Journeymen Wests were the last club to defeat the Pythons back on January 25 at Jesmond Park before the champion Port Stephens X1 posted an eight match unbeaten streak.
By Chris KARAS
