While Newtown could only manage 156 against Souths and Macquarie dismissed Colts for 170, the Cougars grafted it out against Rugby before being dismissed three overs before stumps.

They then picked up one wicket in the remaining 18 balls to leave Rugby 1-15 in reply at the close of play.

After winning the toss and batting, CYMS lost Stuart Naden (18) and Dave McAlister (15) before they were 50.

Runs weren't easy to come by as Dan Horrocks kept things tight with the new ball.

Matt Ellis and CYMS captain Ryan Medley kept the score ticking over before Blake Watmore picked up his second wicket when he had Medley caught at first slip by Nathan Munro.

Munro went on to snare two more sharp catches in the cordon.

Ben Strachan (14) fell to James O'Brien and after a 41-run stand with Ben Knaggs, Ellis eventually fell for 40.

That was the start of a mini slump as the Cougars lost 4-14 to be 8-152 with slower bowlers Aiden Bennewith (2-29) and Adrian Carey (3-50) doing the bulk of the damage.

Thomas Nelson remained at the crease and helped the Cougars pass 200 but he ran out of partners and finished with 37 not out.

Carey was a standout again, bowling 22 overs straight, while Horrocks finished with the extremely economical figures of 1-19 from 12 overs.

After Rugby worked hard in the field to dismiss CYMS, they were rewarded with a tricky three overs to get through with the bat before stumps.

Adrian Carey opened the batting as a nightwatchman but three balls in he was walking back as Strachan rattled his stumps.

Blake Watmore then joined Jordan Moran, who finished the day with a flourish and hit three fours to finish unbeaten on 12.

In a blow for Rugby, Moran is unavailable for week two of the match due to NSW Country commitments.

CYMS have their own concerns with both Strachan and Medley missing next week but Ben O'Donnell does return.

The likes of James O'Brien and Nathan Munro will be key for Rugby next week as they chase the further 191 runs needed for victory.