Reigning SDCA first grade premiership captain Jackson Cox has elevated his status as one of the region's finest cricketers after guiding his side to victory over Valley.
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The PCH skipper made 136 runs in the first innings, a feat which included 19 fours at Howe Park, to set the target at 225.
However the season opening grand final rematch will best be remembered by the double hat-trick from PCH club debutant Brad Young.
The 31-year-old claimed his first wicket in PCH colours in just his third ball of his first over after dismissing Simon White for 24.
Little did he know what would take place in the second half of the over.
"I was brought on after drinks to give the openers a spell," Young told the Singleton Argus.
"The first couple of balls were horrible but then I managed to get the first wicket and that was a big wicket."
Young, who crossed over from SDCA rival JPC this past winter, would then dismiss tailenders Daniel Bray and Tony Whiting to record his first ever hat-trick before Sam Barry was added to his hit-list.
"Then the rest fell more thanks to luck than anything," Young added.
"I've got to give it to Jackson Cox for a screamer to secure the fourth wicket.
"Ultimately I just want to thank both Valley and PCH for putting black arm bands on in memory of my late mate Luke (Hughes).
"That was first class show of sportsmanship by both clubs."
MEANWHILE, first grade batsman Alex Thrift also impressed in JPC's opening victory over Glendon when scoring 93 in his line-up's run chase.
Thrift, who played the catalyst in JPC's remarkable run in last season's T20 series, rectified his line-up's earlier hiccups (which included two ducks) by scoring a whopping ten sixes at Cook Park 3.
Glendon will now take on Creeks this week while JPC will aim for back to back victories when challenging Valley.
FINAL SCORES:
PCH 9/225 (Jackson Cox 136, Abe Jones 34, Brad Young 4/0, Danuel Bell 3/53, Barton Jones 2/7) defeated Valley 97 (Isaac Barry 27, Simon White 24, Tristan Muir 4/44, Tony Whiting 2/31, Sam Barry 2/46).
JPC 8/203 (Alex Thrift 93, Jack Turner 41, Kye Dann 29, Andy Thomas 3/26, Shane Givney 3/15) defeated Glendon 202 (Scott Griffiths 48, Drew Nelson 36, Anthony Bailey 30, Cooper Bailey 4/59, Anthony Bailey 3/35).
The SDCA second grade competition is yet to determine its premiership favourite following two draws over the weekend (one due to a wash out).
This week Valley will take on JPC while Creeks will travel to Denman.
FINAL SCORES:
JPC 9/122 (Mick Taylor 36, David Moorcroft 22, Daniel Davis 3/22, Hayden Moorcroft 2/23) drew with PCH 6/122 (Travis Batch 33, Evan Moss 21, Jamie Tudor 3/29, Brandon Carmen 2/9).
JPC and Denman took out the early wins in the third grade competition on Saturday before a remarkable Brent Egan inspired run chase would guide Creeks to victory over Valley.
While three of his teammates failed to trouble the scorers Egan would contribute 88 (not out) in what was a memorable season opener at Civic Park.
FINAL SCORES:
JPC 8/217 (Don Hornby-Waring 51, Cody Rowe 38, Don Hornby-Waring 4/5, Robie Hedges 2/5) defeated PCH 122 (Mark Rowling 57, Lachlan Vaughan 10, Mark Rowling 3/24, Brendan Budden 2/39)
Denman 5/147 (David Sowter 77, Hunter Ball 31, Alan Murphy 15no, Brody Bowd 4/33, C Cummings 4/35) defeated Glendon 9/141 (Scott Daniel 35, Austin Maher 19, Danny Worth 19, Austin Maher 3/20, Jackson Hamson 1/23).
Creeks 7/186 (Brent Egan 88, Hayden Bourke 44, Matt Chick 14no, Darby Matthews 2/20, Toby Morrisey 2/20, Tristin Pitcher 1/25) defeated Valley 5/179 (Jason Newberry 87 no, Marcus Rowe 42, Jake Hourn 24no, Jasper Muir 3/36, Elliot Rees 2/16, Jake Hourn 2/16).
SDCA TOP FIVE RUN SCORERS:
1. Jackson Cox (PCH) - 136
2. Alex Thrift (JPC) - 93
3. Brent Egan (Creeks) - 88
4. Jason Newberry (Valley) - 87no
5. David Sonter (Denman) - 77
SDCA TOP FIVE BOWLING:
1. Brad Young (PCH) - 4/0
2. Brady Bowd (Denman) - 4/33
3. Tristan Muir (Valley) - 4/44
4. Cooper Bailey (Glendon) - 4/59
5. Shane Givney (JPC) - 3/15