Wests claimed top spot in the last round, beating Charlestown coupled by a Hamwicks loss, but the race towards the 2019-20 finals series is wide open.

Competition resumes on January 11 with the first of five remaining two-day fixtures.

WESTS

Position: First

Points: 40

Form: DLWWWWWW

Bottom Line: Only half the faces from 2017-18 premiership, but most consistent side so far this summer. Six straight wins to finish.

HAMILTON-WICKHAM

Position: Second

Points: 35

Form: DWWWWWLL

Bottom Line: Despite back-to-back losses, the Tom Locker Cup champions are once again in the mix.

MEREWETHER

Position: Third

Points: 34

Form: DWLWWLWW

Bottom Line: Keep on keeping on, led by veterans Simon Moore (367 runs) and Tim O'Neill (17 wickets).

WALLSEND

Position: Fourth

Points: 33 (1.41 quotient)

Form: DWWLLLWW

Bottom Line: A genuine title contender following the return of Gary Geise, form of Jacob Montgomery and captain Nathan Price.

CHARLESTOWN

Position: Fifth

Points: 33 (1.06)

Form: DLWWLWWL

Bottom Line: Magpies batting has been the main issue, but bowlers have delivered.

BELMONT

Position: Sixth

Points: 30

Form: DLWWLLWW

Bottom Line: An outright rocketed them up the table after some heavy defeats. Joseph Gillard pick of rookies.

CARDIFF-BOOLAROO

Position: Seventh

Points: 29 (1.30)

Form: DWLWLWLW

Bottom Line: Inconsistent so far, but CBs looming on the edge of the four.

UNIVERSITY

Position: Eighth

Points: 29 (1.16)

Form: DWLLWWLW

Bottom Line: Andrew Harriott's 206 has been the highlight. Sea Dragons not to be discounted.

STOCKTON

Position: Ninth

Points: 18

Form: DLWLLWLL

Bottom Line: Seagulls, Newcastle and NSW Country captain Nick Foster has led the way with bat and ball.

WARATAH-MAYFIELD

Position: Tenth

Points: 17

Form: DLLLWLWL

Bottom Line: There have been glimpses from Nathan Hudson's men, but limited.

NEWCASTLE CITY

Position: Eleventh

Points: 15

Form: DWLLLLLL

Bottom Line: Kick started with a bonus-point win, but haven't heard the team song again since.

TORONTO

Position: Twelfth

Points: 14

Form: DLLLWLLL

Bottom Line: Just two players remain from grand final success in March.

While you're with us, did you know Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here.