SKIPPER Mark Littlewood overcame illness and injury to help Newcastle score a nerve-racking win against Central Coast in the NSW Country Championships cricket final at Bradman Oval on Sunday.
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Laid low by a virus during the week, Littlewood suffered a dislocated finger fielding and was taken to hospital for treatment.
He returned to top score with 59 as Newcastle chased down Central Coast’s competitive 8-234 with three wickets in hand and 2.1 overs to spare.
All-rounder Dylan Hunter was no less influential, smashing 56 from 44 balls, with three sixes and four fours.
“It was a big effort from Mark,” Newcastle coach Shane Burley said. “He’s been crook all week and then he dislocated a finger, so he showed his character. He’s a pretty proud Newcastle cricketer and he was determined to get the trophy back where it belongs.”
It was Newcastle’s third country championships title in the past five years. Last season they were denied by washed-out games.
