A Grand Celebration: NDCA Luncheon Wraps Up the Season in Style

On 20 March 2026, the Newcastle cricket community came together to celebrate a fantastic season at the NDCA Grand Final Luncheon.

Held once again at Club Charlestown, the event attracted 200 guests to recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions made throughout the 2025/26 season.

An entertaining start to the afternoon

Adam Murray, known to many through his work at NBN News, took on hosting duties and brought a high level of professionalism to proceedings.

Adam also provided one of the funniest moments of the day before lunch had even begun. While introducing himself to guest speaker Michael Kasprowicz and running through the afternoon’s proceedings, Michael mistook him for a glassy and promptly asked whether he had a rag handy to clean up a spilled beer.

The mix-up had those nearby in stitches and quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the day.

Michael Kasprowicz shares stories from his career

Guests were treated to an entertaining address from former Australian Test fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz, who shared insights and stories from his career at the highest level of the game.

His experiences and reflections provided an engaging highlight for everyone in attendance.

Celebrating the season’s best

The NDCA awards recognised excellence across the competition, including the Young Cricketers of the Year, Representative Players of the Year, Players of the Year and Teams of the Year.

The Beyond Bank Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Lynn Herring of Wallsend District Cricket Club in recognition of her outstanding dedication and service to the game.

The afternoon also celebrated the achievements of the season’s leading players, teams, clubs and volunteers.

Joseph Price’s remarkable career recognised

A highlight of Chairman Aaron Gray’s address was the acknowledgement of Joseph Price’s remarkable NDCA career following his retirement from first-grade cricket after 27 seasons.

Joseph finished his first-grade career with 8,440 runs and 505 wickets. He became only the fourth player in NDCA history to achieve the double of 5,000 runs and 500 wickets, joining Ken Hill, Michael Hill and Sam Webber.

His outstanding service to Wests Cricket Club and the NDCA was fittingly recognised in front of the Newcastle cricket community.

A memorable celebration

Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch, exceptional company and an atmosphere filled with pride in the season’s accomplishments.

From outstanding individual performances to collective club achievements, the luncheon celebrated everything that makes cricket in Newcastle so special.

The NDCA thanks everyone who attended and helped make the 2025/26 Grand Final Luncheon such a memorable occasion.

Congratulations again to all the season’s award recipients. We look forward to an even bigger and better season in 2026/27.

Check out the photos from the day below!

Please credit Laughlin O’Connor Productions for any publishing.