Ben Balcomb and Josh Geary put on a 54-run partnership for the ninth wicket to ensure Newcastle wouldn't concede a bonus point to closest rivals and hosts Central Coast.

Newcastle were originally chasing Central Coast's 219 for victory but after falling to 6-28 quickly re-evaluated their target to 145, which would see them stay on top of the northern pool and avoid standings being decided by quotient.

Balcomb (65) and Geary (12 not out) steered them past the required mark, but Newcastle were dismissed shortly after for 147.

This result saw Newcastle, who won 50-over fixtures on both Friday and Saturday, finish on 13 points and one clear of Central Coast (12) while Central North (7) and North Coastal (6) were third and fourth respectively.

"We had to get to 145 to make sure we'd go through and Central Coast didn't get a bonus point," Newcastle coach Shane Burley said.

"We might have still gone through on quotient but now we go through on points."

Newcastle opening bowler Brad Aldous took 5-34 on Sunday. Ryan Van Kemenade scored 113 in Saturday's win against North Coastal.

Newcastle will now meet recent southern pool winners Riverina in the state decider, which is set to be played at Bowral's Bradman Oval in February. A Bush Blues squad will likely be announced this week and contest a series in January.

For faster access to the latest Newcastle news download our NEWCASTLE HERALD APP and sign up for breaking news, sport and what's on sent directly to your email

IN THE NEWS: