RSL-COLTS' Jason Ryan believes this round's clash with Rugby is a hugely important one for both sides as the race for a top three finish this season heats up.
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Newtown have created a dominant lead on the Whitney Cup ladder but perennial finalists Colts and Rugby currently sit second and third respectively after the men in red picked up a crucial win over Souths last week.
Rugby hung on for a draw against CYMS last round and Ryan admits a win against their rivals, starting today at No. 2 Oval, would be hugely beneficial for his side in one of the most even Whitney Cups in recent seasons.
"Everyone is chasing the 'Townies' (Newtown) at the moment but a good win this match would really put us in the top three and that's what you want, it would give us a game or two break on Rugby so it's a pretty important game for both of us," he said.
The last time these two sides met a century to Nathan Munro led Rugby to a hard-fought victory. The Colts batting line-up fell short that match as they were unable to chase down 298 but Ryan said his side has improved a lot over the past month, partly due to the arrival of talented Englishman Greg Buckley.
Buckley made 98 and took five wickets with his off-spin last round against Souths and Ryan said he would again be a key part of the side, along with leading run-scorer Paul Hulthen.
"Last time we set ourselves the platform and we batted close to the full overs but we just didn't score quick enough through the middle and put too much pressure on at the end," he said.
"But a few blokes are travelling better now and Greg takes our batting up a notch so I'm pretty confident our batting can do the job this time.
"Our openers have done the job all season, Paul and 'Keeno' (Matt Keenan) have been getting 40s or 50s but last match Paul made 148 and that's what we've really missed the last couple of years, someone to bat all the way through and make the big score and then we've got blokes like Greg and 'Morto' (Chris Morton) so it's all looking good at the moment."
Colts' chances will be harmed by the absence of leading quick Tim Cox, who is attending a Country NSW training camp, and Ryan admitted his side will rely on their spin trio of Buckley, Nathan Jones and Wes Giddings.
Rugby's Aidan Bennewith led the way for his side last week, making an unbeaten 72 in the draw with the Cougars, while Zac Murphy also impressed, taking 4-43 and making 46.
With the absence of Cox the powerful Rugby line-up will look to cash in with the likes of Munro, Mitch Bower and Harry Kempston all looking to spend long periods in the middle.
