RSL-COLTS are right back in the mix for the Whitney Cup minor premiership after posting a four-wicket win over ladder leaders Rugby on Saturday.
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While the win doesn't quite put them back in front of their rivals, it ensures Rugby won't be able to slip up over the final month of the regular season.
Colts resumed on day two at 2/36, still needing 137 runs for victory.
With Rugby pressing hard for an early wicket, Colts stars Brad Cox (61) and Greg Buckley (22) were able to add a further 53 runs before both men fell in the space of four runs to leave the total 4/93.
Despite having times where they applied pressure, Rugby couldn't land the knockout blow as captain Chris Morton (24), Jason Ryan (28) and Paul Hulthen (25) made contributions that saw their side home with four wickets and 30 overs to spare in the day.
For Morton, the win was important not only for his side’s position on the ladder but also for a mental edge leading into the finals.
“I don’t think we’ve played anywhere near our best cricket this season but we’re still right on Rugby’s tail and we’ve beaten them twice,” Morton said.
“They’re a good side and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy to get the runs.
“There was still a bit in the deck for the first 30 overs or so but ‘Coxy’ and Greg handled that and didn’t let them get that early wicket that would have given them a boost.
“Ideally we wouldn’t have lost as many wickets and given them as many bonus points but we’re still in with a chance to get that minor premiership.
“We’ve got CYMS and Newtown in the last two weeks so we’ll get some solid cricket but if we can get a big win in either of those games we might be able to nab top spot and get a week off and straight into the grand final.”
While he’s happy enough with the way his side is playing, Morton says there are areas the group can improve.
And the most pressing is finding players to regularly help Cox and Morton when it comes to posting runs.
“Realistically we’ve had two blokes carry the load with the bat this season,” Morton said.
“I think we have the best top six in the competition but only two of them have fired consistently this season.
“If the rest of us can find some form in the next few weeks it will go a long way towards helping us in the finals.”