First grade has been expanded to six teams this season avoiding last summer’s bye, with Supporters moving up to first grade after winning last season’s second grade premiership.

The Marlins will again be the team to beat after capping off a stellar 2016-17 in the top grade with an emphatic five-wicket victory against arch rivals Bellbird in the grand finay.

Mulbring went through the regular season without dropping a game, and finished it off in style to claim the minor/major premiership double and their 11th association title, eight of which they have won since the 2002-03 season.

Last year’s beaten grand finalists Bellbird loom as the biggest threat again to Mulbring as the two teams look to continued their dominance of the competition.

Bellbird has six titles since the turn of he century with wins in 2001-02, 2006-07, 2009-10, joint 2012-13, joint 2013-14, 2014-15.

Greta Branxton will again be in the reckoning particularly if last season’s Cessnock and District Cricket Association player of the year Josh Dagg can continue his batting form.

Dagg signalled he was in for a big year when he scored his maiden century in the second round against Bellbird.

He made  519 runs at an average of 74.14 and was not out five times including a 96no against Bellbird again to fall just short of his second ton.

Big things will again be expected from the Cessnock representative team after winning last season’s John Bull Shield and making it all the way into the semi-finals of the SCG Plate.

Greta Branxton’s Bryce Element gets an early start to rep duties having been named in the Hunter Hitmen's squad for this year’s Regional Big Bash Twenty20.

Round 1

Bellbird Workers v Supporters at Carmichael 1

Wine Country  v Greta Branxton at Allandale

Piranhas v Mulbring at East End Oval