Tim Cox took the ball for the first time this Whitney Cup season on Saturday and showed his extended break had done nothing to affect his class.

The former Australian Country player had missed the majority of the season through off-field commitments and injury but took six wickets at No.2 Oval to lead RSL-Colts to a thrilling seven-run win over Rugby at No.2 Oval.

After making 9-286 on day one, the defending premiers were made to work as a number of Rugby batsmen spent extended periods in the middle but Cox, like so many times he has in the past, picked up crucial wickets to lead his side to victory.

"He's still nowhere near 100 per cent but he just put the ball in the right areas and pushed through a fair bit of pain for us," Colts' Jason Ryan said.

"We probably wouldn't have won if he wasn't there because he got the ball reverse swinging late and was hard to face so he was very impressive in his first game back."

Ryan, who missed the early part of the day's play due to work, arrived at a time when Rugby were starting to get on top.

Jordan Moran (50) had got his side off to the perfect start earlier in the day, combining with fellow opener Charlie Kempston to put on 77 for the first wicket.

Moran fell to become Cox's first wicket but Kempston held firm against Colts' experienced attack before falling to Greg Buckley (2-60) for a well-composed 36.

Jacob Hill (25) also chipped in before James O'Brien and Nathan Munro set about taking the total towards 200.

"Nathan and Obie were doing it easy, taking about four or five an over easily and taking no risks so it was up to us to change that momentum," Ryan said.

"They were about three out for 160-170 so to come back like we did and get a few key wickets and to hold on was a good win.

"We created some false shots but just probably not as well as we wanted to.

"There were a couple of bad shots and a couple of good balls got wickets too but we just built up some pressure."

Munro made 41 while O'Brien's was the crucial wicket and when he was bowled by Cox for 53 with the score on 241, the match was well in the balance.

Youngster Pat Berryman played well for his 26 before he was removed by Cox (6-38 off 15 overs) and with less than three overs remaining and seven runs to win, Buckley bowled Tyler Woodrow to seal an important win.

"We're still looking at it like we've got to win our final two games," Ryan said, with his club still a chance of having points deducted for an alleged breach of the 12th man rule last round.

"That might all fall in our favour but if not and then we lose a game we could miss out all together so it's crucial for us to win these final two games and try to get top spot."