PORT Stephens cricketer Jeff Goninan may have retired from representative cricket but his value to the Stockton and Northern Districts first grade cricket team is immense.
The former Nelson Bay junior’s batting skills were the main talking point last Saturday after the Seagulls rolled rivals Wallsend in their top of the table Newcastle District Cricket clash at Lynn Oval.
Stylish batsman Goninan – who won an incredible nine NSW Country Championship titles with Newcastle during an illustrious representative career – was the cricketer on everyone’s lips after peeling off a match-winning knock of 102.
His superb second day ton helped the undefeated Seagulls (8-230) eclipse the Tigers’ tally of 229 and regain the competition lead in the Rippit first grade premiership after six rounds.
Batting at number seven, the seasoned campaigner strode to the crease with the Seagulls tottering at 6-125 following the dismissal of Newcastle rep Logan Weston for nine.
A belligerent Goninan turned the match, thumping six massive sixes and 11 boundaries during his dashing 93-ball knock, to reach triple figures and help secure the team’s fifth win of the season.
It was a magnificent display by the Seagulls stalwart, who was identified as a batting talent while padding up for the Nelson Bay Junior Cricket Club in those formative years,
As well as posting a classic ton, the experienced Goninan shared a crucial seventh wicket partnership of 99 with Newcastle representative coach Adrian Chad (38) to put the Seagulls on course for victory.
Champion spinning all rounder Nick Foster will again skipper the Newcastle representative team at the 2025-26 NSW Country Cricket Championships and will be joined by Seagulls’ team mates in leg spinner Aaron Bills, pace bowling trumps Josh McTaggart and Pat Magann and coach Chad.
The wily Foster tuned up for the championships with an impressive haul of 6-46 off 22 overs with support from Bills (3-60 off 22) as Stockton skittled the Wallsend line up with quality spin bowling.
By Chris KARAS
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