Ed Williams a hero with bat as Stockton Seagulls capture first grade cricket title

PORT Stephens cricket products Ed Williams and Jeff Goninan are savouring premiership success with the Stockton & Northern Districts Seagulls.

The accomplished duo played key roles in the Seagulls’ spirited Grand Final victory over Wallsend Tigers in the Newcastle District Cricket Rippit first grade competition to cap a memorable 2025-26 campaign.

Emerging all rounder Williams of Salamander Bay featured in an unbroken match winning partnership of 52 for the eighth wicket with Newcastle representative skipper Nick Foster (29 not out), carving out a vital knock of 21 not out to help steer the Seagulls to a thrilling triumph at the Newcastle No 1 Sportsground.

Goninan, a Nelson Bay junior who went on to capture nine NSW Country Championship cricket titles with Newcastle, produced a gritty 29 runs off 72 balls as Stockton (7-250) eclipsed Wallsend’s first day total of 8-248 off their 90 overs in a gripping finish.

In securing the Rippit first grade championship trophy, the Seagulls are celebrating one of their finest achievements at the top level.

Stockton won 12 and tied one of their 15 matches during the season with the club tasting defeat only once in the Rippit premiership – a narrow loss to Waratah-Mayfield back on December 13.

In a Grand Final blockbuster, the Tigers won the toss and elected to bat  and were reeling at 6-117 before gun all rounders Jacob Page and Callum Gabriel and opening batsman Gethin Roberts produced crucial knocks with the bat.

Page top scored with an unbeaten 89 off 166 balls that included seven boundaries and a six after important contributions from Roberts (48) and Gabriel (42).

Josh McTaggart (3-58 off 20 overs) and Asher Hart (2-44 off 17 overs) were the pick of the Stockton bowlers.

In reply, the capable Hart peeled off a stylish 59 off 152 balls and shared a second wicket partnership of 83 with opener Jake Hainsworth (45 runs off 120 balls) to give the Seagulls an ideal launching pad.

Newcastle rep McTaggart chipped in with a valuable knock of 30 off 37 balls with four boundaries to keep the minor premiers on track for the premiership title.

An inspirational 26-over spell by Tigers’ quick Gabriel (4-68) gave the Wallsend X1 hope as Stockton slumped to 7-198 in a dramatic second day’s play.

But fine batting under pressure from the experienced Foster and young gun Williams ensured the Seagulls were crowned first grade champions.

Wallsend were chasing a rare trophy double after earlier lifting the Tom Locker Cup with a five wicket victory over Stockton in the one day final on 16 November.

By Chris KARAS