By NICK GUTHRIE

RUGBY are back in the Whitney Cup top three after a hard-fought win over South Dubbo on Saturday.

The defending premiers were made to work for their victory after posting 292 last week with Tim Berry almost leading his side to victory.

Berry made 82 at No. 3 Oval on Saturday but it wasn't enough as the Hornets fell short, only able to post 270 in reply.

The victory marks the first time since November Rugby have won back-to-back matches and opening bowler Ben Taylor admits his side is getting back to their best.

"We're getting there, it's been hard because we've had so many guys in and out of the side and 'Patto' (Ben Patterson) is out of the picture now but we've got a set squad now and working with that and the last couple of weeks we feel like we've been playing better, not just because we're winning, but because we're playing together."

Taylor, who was full of praise for the Souths batsmen, claimed 4-70 for Rugby, with all of his wickets key one later in the day, but he said there were others with the ball that impressed more than him.

Veteran Nathan Munro took 1-61 from 17 overs while Jacob Bruce (2-34), Blake Watmore (1-32) and Tyler Woodrow (1-35) also had an impact on the match which was in the balance right until the end.

"They (Souths) needed 130 in the last session with five wickets in hand so they were well in the match," Taylor said.

"Tim Berry batted smart but we eventually got the better of them.

"Tyler Woodrow bowled really well in his first grade debut and Blake bowled well, the young guys really stood up, and Jacob Bruce was probably the best of all of us, I haven't seen him bowl that well since the grand final two seasons ago when he played for Colts."

Asher Robins (47), Will Wolter (34) and Matt Finlay (25) also contributed for Souths but the loss means their finals hopes are now hanging by a thread.

With a top three spot now theirs again, Taylor said his Rugby side is well placed to make an impact later in the season but did admit it was a difficult run home for the defending champions.

"We've got the Danny Bower Cup against Colts next week and that's a big test," he said.

"Our two games this season have been really close and I don't expect that to be any different but I think the one-day cricket will suit them a bit better.

"Then we've got Newtown and Macquarie so it's not an easy run but it's also kind of good because if you play finals and the grand final you'll be playing the best side and playing them now could stand us in good stead."