CAMPAIGN OF WOE IS OVER

The campaign began with Andy Paulson’s Newstead hopeful of a swift return to the top flight after suffering relegation last term.

But a record of nine defeats, and only five wins, from their 18 fixtures has left them third from bottom and only just safe from a second successive drop.

The last match told a familiar story, brightened up only by the promising batting of 15-year-old Adam Kalka, who top scored with 28.

The rest of the batsmen folded alarmingly against the bowling of Ellerslie duo, Husnan Riaz (five for 26) and Saqib Mirza (three for 29).

Man-of-the-match Riaz then hammered an unbeaten 53 as the visitors clobbered a weakened Newstead bowling attack to race to their target in only 14 overs.