Football fanatics and non-football fanatics turned out in their thousands to live sites across the country, including at Wheeler Place in Newcastle, to watch on hopefully as Australia attempted to defy the odds and pull off an upset.

It was not to be but many in football circles are hoping the strong World Cup showing was enough to boost support on a domestic level as the A-League gears up again after a four-week hiatus.

The Newcastle Jets men's side completed what coach Arthur Papas promised to be a gruelling World Cup break by drawing 3-3 with Macarthur and losing 5-2 to Sydney FC in closed trials on Friday and Saturday.

They face an F3 Derby with Central Coast Mariners this Sunday (3pm) in their return to A-League action.

Meanwhile, the Jets women showed strong character to twice come from behind and draw 2-2 against Perth Glory at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday afternoon.

The result kept them in fifth position after three outings as they eye back-to-back road trips to Melbourne, starting with A-League Women heavyweights City this Saturday.

One week after being washed out from a sprinkler malfunction, Toronto and Cardiff-Boolaroo played out a tie in Newcastle District Cricket Association with the result determined by a wicket on the last ball.

English import Logan Weston produced a century as Stockton took a comfortable win over Belmont while University, Merewether, Wests and Wallsend also secured victories.

The finals-bound Hunter Hurricanes produced a confidence-boosting performance ahead of the Sydney Super League play-offs.

Defence proved key as Hunter downed Balmain at Lambton Pool.

The Hurricanes hope to use the Sydney competition as a springboard into a strong national league campaign in the new year.

Merewether surfer Morgan Cibilic agonisingly fell one heat short of sealing a Championship Tour return.

Meanwhile, Newcastle snowboarder Michaela Davis-Meehan will be back competing on the Freeride World Tour after landing a wildcard for 2023.

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