Raymond Terrace has emerged as one of the sides to beat after the third round of Maitland district cricket.
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The Terrace took honours again in their grand-final replay against Norths at the weekend.
Port Stephens also bounced back from a loss to conquer Western Suburbs.
Raymond Terrace got off to a great start in their clash at Lorn Park, keeping Norths to a modest total of 124.
Cameron Bates did most of the damage with 4-44 and 15-year-old Alex Lidbury picked up two wickets in his first grade debut.
After a bit of a shaky start to their innings being at 2-18, Terrace opener Joseph Harden (41) and top scorer Jaymes Thomas (47) combined to put on a partnership of 76 to steer their side to victory.
Daniel Upward also added a handy 20 no to help his side pass the total in the 35th over with five wickets in hand.
Raymond Terrace captain Steve Smith said he was pleased with the result.
“It’s always hard when you go to Lorn and play against Norths,” Smith said.
“It was a good test for us.
“They were definitely under strength, but you can only play against who is out there on the day.”
Port Stephens recorded their first win thanks to a strong performance by Jarrod Moxey (88) which helped the Pythons to 169.
Wests mustered up 151 in reply.
City United and Kurri Weston are also contenders this season.
City had a resounding 100-run win over the struggling Eastern Suburbs and Kurri Weston had a strong win over Thornton.
City skipper Matt Trappel scored a century to lead his side to victory over Easts at King Edward Park.
Kurri Weston defeated Thornton by seven wickets at Kurri Central.