The Englishman starred in RSL-Colts’ Whitney Cup win over Macquarie in the season’s first day night match, scoring 83 in his side’s total of 9/210 before taking a miserly 4/16 from eight overs to keep the Blues to just 110.

The win ensures the men in red stay well clear at the top and Colts young gun Marty Jeffrey said Buckley’s leadership was a big reason why his side sits where it is.

The Western Zone all-rounder has taken over the captaincy now he’s back and Jeffrey said the decision seems a masterstroke.

“He’s definitely showed a lot of leadership this year and with the captaincy he’s a different player,” he said.

“He’s always been a good player but he’s smarter and a better player and he showed his class.

“It wasn’t an easy deck to bat but he composed himself and did well.”

Paul Hulthen chimed in with a handy 44 while Anthony Heraghty’s spin was the best for Macquarie and he finished with 3/32 from seven overs.

Unfortunately for the Blues, the Parkes powerhouse couldn’t star with the bat as well, with Jeffrey bowling him and justifying Buckley’s decision to open the bowling with the leg-spinner.

The captain then picked up the key wickets of Jason Green (34) and Keiran Brien (13) with his off-spin and from there Macquarie never recovered, falling 99-runs short.

“With the way the deck was playing, putting pressure on early made our 210 look more like 230 with that scoreboard pressure,” Jeffrey said.

The win extends Colts lead at the top of the table, with second-placed Souths getting beaten, and Jeffrey added his side wants to had into the Christmas and New Year’s break with plenty of momentum.