NEWCASTLE CRICKET GRAND FINAL IN THE BALANCE

Returning to cricket and the Newcastle District grand final, hangs in the balance after day one.

Wests all out for 210, despite a top order collapse.

With play washed out yesterday, Merewether elected to bowl and made early inroads thanks to Sam Palmer, who claimed the wickets of Ben Chew and Chris McBride to have Wests reeling at 2 for 4.

Joe Price and Aaron Wivell looked to steady the ship, but Palmer was causing all sorts of problems.

A few overs later he had a third, as Price went looking for the fence.

Wivell made his way to 34, while James King added 92 not out.

The game will wrap up on Good Friday.