The all-rounder scored an entertaining 51 for the Newcastle representative team in its trial against Sydney club Manly-Warringah at Ron Hill Oval on Saturday.

Batting at No 5, Chad came to the wicket with the home team at a precarious 3-32.

He weathered the Manly-Warringah surge then set about resurrecting the Newcastle innings.

Never one to allow the attack to keep him quiet for too long, Chad combined resolute defence with positive stroke play on his home track.

Chad struck eight boundaries and one six in his 65-ball innings which helped Newcastle to a respectable 50-over total of 232.

The visitors chased down the target for the loss of six wickets, with one over to spare.

A highlight of Chad’s innings was a powerful pull for six over mid-wicket from the bowling of Manly seamer Jake Carden.

Chad featured in a 79-run partnership with Jacob Montgomery (38) before Jonty Durrheim brought the Newcastle innings home with an unbeaten 69.

Last season, in the Newcastle district competition, Chad was named joint player of the year.

He scored 523 runs at an average of 40.23 and took 35 wickets with his medium pacers at 14.34 apiece.