Facing defending champions and arch-rivals Newcastle in the decider, Batty scored 104, including eight fours and a six, as his team fell 36 runs short.

The ton capped a strong tournament for Batty, who scored 68 against Southern in Saturday's semi-final and 51 against Riverina on Friday.

"To get a hundred in a Country Championship final is something I will remember for a long time," said Batty, who was named player of the final.

Illawarra lost three early wickets before Batty combined with Dale Scifleet (25), Andrew Northridge (24) and Josh Lehane (48) to put them within striking distance of Newcastle's 270 in the 60-over match.

Newcastle's win was their fifth in the past six years.

"To take them that close was a big effort, we weren't far away," Batty said. "Not many teams have taken Newcastle that close."

Illawarra had their chances: Newcastle were 6-154 before some late hitting let the score get away. They got 90 off their last 10 overs.

Tommi Bozinovski bowled 20 overs straight for 2-69, while Lehane capped a strong all-around game with 2-35.

Illawarra coach Stephen Davies was pleased with the overall performance of his side.

"We're extremely happy, the boys performed well for the whole weekend," Davies said.

"Our fielding was outstanding in every game, with some fantastic catches and a couple of run-outs.

"The bowling was also very good - everyone chipped in with the ball. But what was most pleasing was the way we played together as a team, the way we supported each other on and off the field, team harmony was good.

"Even off the field was great - the professionalism has really lifted with a physio with the team, courtesy of BaiMed."

On Saturday, Illawarra beat Southern in the semi-final by 92-runs, Kyle Connor taking 4-44 from 19.2 overs straight and Matt Treuberg 3-25.