Three straight losses had RSL-Colts’ hold on top spot in the RSL-Pinnington Cup in real danger but the defending premiers began the new in style, returning to form with a win over Macquarie.
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Colts sit four points clear at the top after posting 9-161 at Lady Cutler 3 on Saturday before a blistering start with the ball saw Macquarie dismissed for 115.
After winning the toss and batting, Colts made a solid start before Matt Keenan (14) became Shane Dupille’s first victim in the 11th over with the score at 34.
Michael Ying-Sing (22) fell shortly after but captain Josh Smith and Nathan Finlay then got things back on track.
After adding 60 for the third wicket Finlay departed for 31 and then strike bowlers Andy Blake (2-20) and Dupille (4-40) worked their way through the middle and lower order, with the latter taking the key wicket of Smith (57).
The game was as good as over inside four overs in reply as the Blues collapsed to be 4-8.
Geoff Wheeler (3-8) and Shane Groen (2-15) each struck twice early and things didn’t get much better from there with Macquarie soon 7-41.
Dupille capped off a solid performance in a losing effort by hitting 36 not out late on but it wasn’t enough as Colts cruised to victory.
South Dubbo got itself back into finals contention on Saturday with a four-wicket win over Newtown.
Bottom-placed Souths knocked over the Tigers for 143 before reaching the target with more than eight overs remaining.
The Hornets bowlers began well, reducing Newtown to 2-11 early on before Nathan Merchant dug in.
Wickets tumbled around the experienced all-rounder, with Neil Motbey (3-29) and Joe Coles (2-22) doing the bulk of the damage. Jonathan Lowe hit a late 31 before Merchant was dismissed for 58 late on as his side fell short of 150.
Souths also didn’t began well with the bat and was 2-13 at one stage but some big hitting from Kyle Wells, who hit nine fours and a six in his 58, got the chase back on track. Michael McCarthy supported Wells and made 37 as his side scored a strong win to move within six points of third spot.
Heath Larance fell just short of a century for the second time this RSL-Pinnington Cup season on Saturday but his knock of 94 was crucial in CYMS’ win over Rugby at Lady Cutler 2.
After bowling Rugby out for 182, Larance powered his side towards the target.
While adding 76 for the fourth wicket with Daniel Duffy (43 not out), Larance seemed destined to reach triple figures but fell short when being dismissed by Zac Murphy.
Despite that, his side cruised to victory.
Earlier, Grant Berryman had helped his side post a defendable total.
Rugby were in all sorts of trouble at 6-60, with Yogi Chawla (3-27) again causing havoc while bowling spin with the new ball.
Berryman made 78 from number seven, while Cayden McGrath (27) helped his side get close to 200.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
