SOUTH Dubbo all-rounder Matt Finlay believes his side has finally delivered on the potential they've shown in recent years after an Adam Wells century propelled them to a dominant position on day one of their clash with Whitney Cup leaders Newtown.
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The Hornets made 4-342 from their 75 overs with Wells' unbeaten 139 the highlight while there were also contributions from captain Tim Berry and opener Josh Williams, who made 69 and 66 respectively.
Unbeaten Newtown are now faced with their biggest challenge so far this season and Finlay said his side is feeling confident after one of their best batting displays in recent times.
"We smashed them really, we've threatened to do this for years because we've got the batting talent to do it but we always just seem to crumble so it was good to see us go on with it after getting a start," he said.
"It should be interesting next week but if we get beat after scoring 340 then you should probably give the game away but there's not much in the deck and we've got a few out so we'll still have to bowl well."
After Berry won the toss and batted Williams and teenager Will Wolter got Souths off to the perfect start, albeit a patient one.
Wolter departed in the 22rd over with the score on 75 before Williams was stumped by Dan French off the bowling of youngster Marty Jeffrey (2-40).
Wells and Berry then combined in a 168-run partnership to give their side the upper hand and Finlay admitted it was a near flawless innings from Wells.
"I've never seen him hit them better, I don't think he gave them a chance," he said.
"Everything seemed to come out of the middle and he gave that short boundary a hammering."
The Hornets put on a hugely impressive 193 in the final 25 overs, Wells in a particularly brutal mood, clearing the fence at will while Finlay (20) provided support after Nathan Merchant (1-75) dismissed Berry.
With an imposing total on the board and every chance of win number two for the season next week, Finlay said Saturday was a real boost for a side which was still not at its strongest.
"It's nice considering we've still got a couple to come back, Adam Carr, Kyle Wells and Asher Robins didn't bat yesterday so if we can keep getting good starts than we're capable of getting the big scores," he said.
"A nice big win next week would be a good way to finish the year and then hopefully we can get on a bit of a roll early next year."
