After a topsy-turvey day where the momentum swung on multiple occasions, Newtown took the honours thanks to a late flurry with the bat and a good start with the ball.

After a 72-run opening stand between Charlie Kempston (51) and Dan Holland (32) the Tigers collapsed to be 9-142, thanks mainly to a fine spell from Angus Cusack (6-31 off 8 overs).

But the Tigers took advantage of the absence of Blues quick Jeremy Dickson to post a 118-run final-wicket stand between Dwayne Kent (83no) and Troy Tracey (42), which helped them to post a total of 260.

Ben Taylor was the other Macquarie bowler to take multiple wickets, finishing with figures of 2-43 off his eight overs.

With the momentum in their favour, Newtown’s bowlers came out and landed some significant blows in the final 30 overs of the day.

Nic Cosier (2) fell in the first over to Mat Skinner, before Tom Skinner nabbed the big wicket of Macquarie recruit Anthony Heraghty (7) just three overs later.

The brother were each able to bag another wicket prior to stumps, with Cusack providing the only real resistance.

He finished the day unbeaten on 51, and will resume at the crease this Saturday with Jason Green (0no) at the other end.

Together they will be looking to take Macquarie from their overnight score of 4-82 and put them in a position to claim victory.