Pace ace Ed Williams shines for Seagulls with 5-37

SALAMANDER Bay cricketer Ed Williams is riding a wave of success with the Stockton and Northern Districts first grade team in the Newcastle District Cricket Rippit premiership.

The young pace ace is revelling in his new ball role for the high flying Seagulls, who have opened up a five point lead at the top of the competition table.

Williams produced another match-winning performance last Saturday in Stockton’s 43-run triumph over Belmont at Cahill Oval – snaring 5-37 off 16 overs in a superb spell of pace bowling.

It was the Seagulls’ ninth victory after 11 rounds with the club entrenched in top spot on 62 points.

Wallsend Tigers are currently placed second on 57 points ahead of third-ranked Charlestown (48 points) and fourth placed Merewether (47 points).

The talented Williams, who represented Newcastle last summer, is a capable all-rounder and valuable commodity for the Seagulls in their quest for the 2025-26 first grade title.

He has bagged 22 wickets this season at an average of 17.59 and registered 252 runs at an average of 42 with a top score of 84.

Batting at number eight, Williams compiled a handy knock of 28 to help the Seagulls amass a tally of 8 dec 287 with top contributions from opener Cameron Tanner (99), Asher Hart (61), Izach Dennis (36) and Jake Hainsworth (32).

Belmont were tottering at 6-69 in reply before gritty half centuries from Oliver Gribble (79) and Connor Gibson (79) kept the home side in the hunt.

Williams trapped Gibson LBW after Newcastle quick Josh McTaggart dismissed Gribble, who was caught by Nelson Bay junior product Jeff Goninan after clouting 10 boundaries and two sixes in a fine knock.

McTaggart finished with the splendid figures of 2-29 in an economical 16-over spell.

The Seagulls host fifth-ranked Newcastle City this Saturday at the start of a two day clash at Lynn Oval.

By Chris KARAS