Maitland fell eight runs short chasing Upper-Hunter's 5-271 in John Bull Shield cricket on Sunday.

Meanwhile, a big-hitting blockbuster at East Maitland Park was the highlight of an extraordinary opening day of round four of Maitland first-grade cricket on Saturday.

There were 26 sixes as Easts and Wests bludgeoned each other's attacks. Justin Lantry hit 11 alone, including a massive straight drive, which smashed into the windscreen of the Maitland Mercury reporter's car

But the batters didn't get it all their own way, and the bowlers have two teams primed to take wins on day two.

The Maitland Mercury will keep readers up to date with the latest scores and news across the Hunter during summer.

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