While the former lost to a now fourth-placed Aberdeen side, the latter found themselves copping a 119-run battering from the only other side who hadn’t won a game yet, the Belmore Bulls.

Conceding a whopping 215 against a team who had previously failed to make triple figures was a poor start.

But, failing to reach the treasured ton again themselves sealed their fate at the bottom of the table a month into the season.

Joshua Cooper tried his best with the ball, taking four wickets, while the ever-consistent Cameron Eckersley chipped in with another two.

It was however telling that they went for 73 runs between them, while other bowlers received even more punishment, with one of them finishing with an economy of 13.5.

Dominic Cooper did find some form with the bat, picking up a season-high tally of 36, the side’s top score for the day.

Nick Crackett proved to be the most difficult Belmore player to dismiss, as he fought his way to an honourable 54.

The news wasn’t any better for Brook Silver though, with the young outfit making just 69, their lowest tally of the season to date.

Aberdeen chased down the total in just 13 overs with eight wickets in hand, although that may have been a relief to some players who were keen to get out of the heat.

Alec Duncan was their best performer getting 21 with the bat, just outperforming extras (18) as the side’s highest scorer, while also picking up a scalp.

Owen Barry was the only other wicket-taker, although Campbell “Billy Stanlake” Schmierer could consider himself unlucky after a deadly spell that had batsman ducking for cover.

This was aided by a bouncy pitch and perhaps a desire for revenge after being struck in the ribs and then helmet in consecutive deliveries during his innings.

Brook Blue will have a chance to earn its first points at home against Aberdeen next week while Silver will take on sixth-placed Bunnan. 

Around the grounds from round four, Merriwa continued its perfect start to the season with a six-wicket victory over Rouchel, Murrurundi won a close one against Bunnan by just six runs while Belltrees defeated the Bushrangers by eight wickets.