IN the inaugural round of the Coalfields Cup first grade cricket competition - a merger between the Singleton and Cessnock associations - Glendon caused the first of what is sure to be many upsets.
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Despite having come last out of the local sides last year, they defeated Cessnock District Cricket Association (SDCA)'s 2019-20 runner-ups Greta-Branxton.
Using the home ground to their advantage, playing on Cook 2, they held their opponents to 148 and bowled them out in the 35th over.
It wasn't an easy victory however, with the result coming down to the last over - the Singleton side eventually surpassing the tally with five balls and two wickets to spare.
As to be expected in a low-scoring match, it was the bowlers who dominated with Scott Griffiths (3-31 off 10), Tom Stacy (3-29 off 7) and Anthony Bailey (2-21 off 4.1) all starring for Glendon. Wickets were never far away, which was illustrated by Greta-Branxton's top scorers being Josh Dagg and Darren Thomson who made just 27 each.
Jack Turner was crucial in the run chase though, and was the only player to surpass the 50 mark, eventually being dismissed for 59. Daniel Higgins also made an important contribution with 42.
Last year's minor premiers PCH got the better of their Singleton counterparts Creeks in a 5-wicket victory, chasing down 156 with just over two overs left.
Dan Oldknow stole the show with an exceptional bowling cameo, taking 3 for 5 from just 2 overs. He also posted 25 with the bat, which was the second-highest score in the side behind Pat Denniss' 78 not out.
Jarrod Campbell did his best with the ball for Creeks, claiming 3 for 23, but it wasn't enough to prevent PCH making thier way into the top four at the end or round one.
Valley are the highest placed Singleton side, sitting in second behind CDCA's Wine Country, who continued the theme of last year's wooden spooners winning in the opening fixture - defeating Piranhas by 67 runs at East End.
Valley's victory was a tight one, securing the six points by just one-wicket over JPC at Cook 3. Daniel Hayes (4-43 off 10), Isaac Barry (3-30 off 7.4) and Brendan Nicholls (3-26 off 10) took the wickets for Valley.
They didn't make it easy, losing nine wickets as they caught 139, with Barry capping off a solid game with 40 runs.
In other matches, Bellbird's Jason Orr brought up the first century of the season as they defeated Mulbring.
He was in the middle from the opening ball, smashed eleven boundaries and clearing the fence five times on his way to an unbeaten 120.