The side started the match on the worst possible footing, falling to 2-3, however they fought back to post a competitive 167 with the bat. 

The second innings started in similar fashion to the first, with Newcastle on top before a Greater Illawarra Zone fightback midway through the session. 

Ultimately Joseph Gillard’s 84 proved the difference, with the opener ensuring the run chase remained on track despite the carnage happening at the other end. 

While disappointed with the result, Greater Illawarra coach Scott Needham was extremely impressed with the way his side kept fighting through the entire match. 

“It was a bit disappointing,” Needham said. “We got off to a slow start with the bat, which we weren’t hoping for, but we stabilised and thought we were looking at around 190-200 which we could have defended. But we only got to 167, which wasn’t enough unfortunately. 

“The fight shown was characteristic of this team. They never gave up until the final ball was bowled. I’m really proud of them for that, for demonstrating that character. Now this competition’s over, they’ll take that character into every game they play.”

Needham was left to rue his team’s inability to dismiss Gillard, acknowledging that the match probably would have had a different result had they capitalised on a couple of early chances. 

“We had them about 5-120 and there was only the opening batsman. We knew we had to get him, he ended up with 84 and we put him down a couple of times. He won them the game, if we had him, it could have been a different result.”

Despite the grand final defeat, Needham is proud of his team’s efforts throughout the entire competition. 

“It was a great year, minor premiers, going down in a close final. The Newcastle coach acknowledged these two teams were very close and competitive. It’s great news for country cricket.”

Up next is the Kookaburra Cup in January​.