The last time Macquarie first grade outfit met South Dubbo it produced its best all-round performance of the season and won the Whitney Cup.
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That was last season’s grand final when a brilliant Blues performance sealed 148-run win, but veteran runmaker Jason Green has called on his side to be patient when the two teams meet again on Saturday.
The Blues kicked off their title defence with a solid five-wicket win over Newtown but Green is adamant his side can still play far better.
“We haven’t got a bad batting line up this season, last season we relied on our bowlers a bit,” he said.
“In the two-dayers if we bat first we really need to play each ball on its merit and be patient, it’s just about patience.
“We’ve got a good batting lineup but blokes just can’t go out thinking ‘Rabs’ (Anthony Heraghty) or someone else will get the runs.”
The change in strengths for Macquarie has been brought about differences in the lineup, with the likes of Dan Medway, Mitch Williams-Hedges and Brad Johnson not part of the side while Western Zone gun Heraghty and Angus Norton from Newcastle are the new additions.
Another change is coming soon for the Blues and it is one Green describes as a “big blow”.
Talented young all-rounder Angus Cusack, who starred in round one when taking six wickets and scoring a half century, is set to move to Sydney for work in the coming weeks, meaning this round’s clash with the Hornets is his last for the club.
“It’s a shame and he’ll be sorely missed but he’s a young bloke so good luck to him moving away,” Green said.
“We’re going to have to rely on our batting and Ricky Medway will come up from seconds as a batter. He’s been smashing them in the nets and bowls alright spin too.”
The Blues will be hoping to send Cusack on a high this round, and their chances have been boosted by a number of Souths players being ruled out.
Will Lindsay, John Colwell and Scott Tucker are set to miss both days while captain and NSW Country player Mitch Bower may not play day two.
That’s on top of the side still coming to terms with the absence of stalwart Tim Berry, who moved to Cowra during the off-season.
“I’m looking forward to it and they’re really missing ‘Bezz’ now so that’s a big loss with bat and ball,” Green said of this round’s match.
“But we’re missing a few too and who knows what’s going to happen with the rain. It will be interesting to see what happens down at Lady Cutler.”