The Southern Highlands' sole representative in the carnival, Belshaw scored 134 runs and took six crucial scalps over the course of the three-day event, played in Kiama, Oak Flats and Albion Park Rail.

Although Southern Zone won their first two matches, they were unable to take out the carnival, beaten on the final delivery to lose to Newcastle by one wicket in their final match.

Belshaw was a key player for Southern Zone in the Newcastle match, top-scoring with a fighting 64 to boost the team's total to a respectable 9/207, after being 6/97 earlier in the match.

Belshaw and fellow bowler Jess Harding then struck with the new ball in Newcastle's innings and had the favourites reeling at 4/17.

Newcastle's Michael Gerits made 49 to bring his team back into the match, and Mark Dries top-scored with 60, before Dries fell from Belshaw's second last delivery with the scores tied.

Last man Duncan McIlveen came out to bat with a runner and the winning single was gained in a nail-biting finish, with Belshaw ending the match with 3/30 from 12 overs.

Newcastle now progresses to the state final against Central Coast on February 5.