RSL-Colts in strong position

Colts dominated day one of the Whitney Cup clash at No. 2 Oval on Saturday, dismissing the Blues for just 123 before finishing the day at 1-73 in reply.

While Giddings' admits the focus is purely on the chasing down the remaining 51 runs, he said the option to declare early next week and push for the outright will be something his side consider before day two.

Colts currently sit less than a point behind leaders Newtown and an outright would most likely propel them to top spot but gaining bonus points by making 300 runs is another aspect for the men in red to look at.

"We'll have to discuss what we want to do, bat all day and go for the 300 or get in front and go for it and try to bowl them out," Giddings said.

"They're different plans but the positive is we don't really have to worry about how many points we give them and they won't want to lose outright but they won't be too worried about how many points they give us, it's a good match that way."

In an all-too-familiar situation this season, Tim Cox's efforts were the highlight on Saturday as he continually put the ball in the corridor of uncertainty.

The veteran seamer was at his best, taking a hugely impressive 4-12 from 13 overs and knocking over key batsmen Keiran Brien and Jason Green for ducks.

"We still missed some chances but it was a good bowling performance from everyone, especially Tim in his first spell," Giddings said.

"He bowled some real quality balls that got quality batsmen out, 'KB' (Brien) didn't offer a shot and 'Greeny' was bowled with a jaffa that pitched on leg and hit off so it wasn't bad batting at all, just great bowling."

Greg Buckley was also among the wickets again, taking 3-45 from a mammoth 22-over spell to maintain the pressure.

"They (Macquarie) were fairly slow but it's tough when you're four wickets down early and we seemed to keep creating chances and kept them on the back foot," Giddings said.

"Greg bowled well again and so did 'Jonesy' (Nathan Jones) and Sean Mason and Jono Woodbridge started us off really well."

Giddings said his side's time at the crease yesterday was near perfect despite losing Matt Keenan for 20.

Jason Ryan, who will most likely miss next week's play due to work commitments, opened and smashed an unbeaten 43 while Buckley was not out seven at stumps.

"We took a punt (opening with Ryan) and it paid off and we got off to a really positive start," Giddings said.

"We've got to get those 50 runs next week but it will be interesting to see how we bat, it's been our weaker point so it will be good to see where we're at because we're really bowling in the right places."

For Macquarie, their best with the bat was Richard Hawker (38) and Justin Gavin (30), while Angus Cusack (1-29) was the Blues' lone wicket-taker.