The unbeaten Hunters women were untroubled by the fifth-placed Sharks, cruising to a one-sided 84-43 rout after leading 51-15 at half-time to extend their winning streak to nine games.

It was a tougher night for the Hunters men, who won 67-59 to improve their win-loss record to 8-4.

Newcastle had to battle hard in a physical contest in which both sides struggled to find their offensive rhythm but the Hunters made their shots when it mattered after Sutherland cut a 10-point deficit to just four in the closing stages.

Justynn Hammond led the Hunters with 22 points, seven rebounds and five steals but left the game during the fourth quarter for treatment after falling heavily and landing on his hip and lower back.

Russell Hinder (17 points, six rebounds) was solid at both ends and Ben Hawkesley scored two baskets and drew a charging foul to regain momentum and kill off the Sharks’ late surge after the visitors rallied to trail 55-51 with three minutes left.

Hunters coach Larry Davidson praised captain Josh Morgan for his defensive job on league-leading scorer Isaac Turner, who was contained to 21 points on six-of-13 shooting (46%).

“It was a tough win but a good win considering we had three players carrying injuries going into the game,” Davidson said.

“Russell Hinder has an Achilles injury and a problem with his left wrist, Justynn has a pulled hamstring and Josh Cohen has swollen knees but we got through it.

“The win was pleasing but we still need to find another scorer to contribute in double figures for us consistently.”

The result was never in doubt for Newcastle’s women after they opened up a 25-6 lead at quarter-time and extended that to 51-15 at the half.

Senior players Shannon Novosel (18 points, eight rebounds, two steals), Katie Ebzery (18 points, six assists, four rebounds, two steals), Razz Muir (14 points, nine rebounds, two assists) and Susi Walmsley (10 points, four assists, three rebounds, three steals) led a balanced attack for Newcastle, allowing coach Mark Gledson to spread the minutes around.

Youth League graduates Bianca Green (nine points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal) and Cass Pentney (four points, two rebounds, one steal) made the most of their opportunities.

The victories by the Waratah League men and women completed a five-game clean sweep for the Hunters after the State League women defeated arch rivals Maitland Mustangs 58-28 and the Youth League men and women defeated Sutherland in the curtain-raisers.

All funds raised last night were donated to the Supporters of Cancer charity, which was formed in 2010 to help Hunter-based cancer support services.