After scoring a big win back in round one the South Dubbo Hornets slumped to six straight losses and fell to the bottom of the RSL-Pinnington Cup ladder.
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But the side has rediscovered its best form in recent weeks and Saturday’s win over Macquarie was its fourth in the past five games.
The win, which featured a key 78 from Pat Brandon at the top of the order, moved the Hornets within three points of the all-important third spot on the ladder.
Brandon’s effort helped the Hornets post 6/209 against the Blues at Lady Cutler 4, while Kyle Wells (36), Matt Haling (25) and Jeff Shanks (25) also chipped in.
Chad O’Brien and Andy Blake took two wickets each for Macquarie while Shane Dupille finished with a tidy 1/16 from eight overs.
The Blues slumped to 2/15 in reply, with Andrew Cusack (2/14) again performing well with the new ball.
Captain Ian Marchant again had to play the anchor role for his side and he combined with youngster Sam Henry (30) to add 56 for the third wicket before he departed for 44.
From there the Blues were unable to build any meaningful partnerships, as Shanks (2/15) and Joe Coles (2/26) chipped away as Macquarie was dismissed for 130.
CYMS moved back into second spot on the ladder after scoring a convincing 103-run win over Newtown at No. 3 Oval.
After falling to 3/39 after winning the toss and batting, the Cougars middle order rebuilt. Captain Gavin Weekes top-scored with 48 from 55 balls while Callan Braithwaite made an impressive 46 from 39 balls. Cougars junior Tom Coady also chipped in with 29 as CYMS posted 8/208 from the 40 overs. Kel Blackett (2/29) was the only multiple wicket taker.
Brandon Dodd (2/9) removed both Tigers openers early on and when Craig Pettit (15), Nathan Merchant (9) and Blackett (35) with the score only at 74 the Cougars were well on their way.
Darryl Thompson was again among the wickets, taking 3/20, while Tom Saul (2/6) finished the game off in two balls with Newtown making 105.
RSL-Colts moved one step closer securing the minor premiership on Saturday when beating Rugby by 34 runs on Danny Bower Cup day.
Rugby decision to bowl paid off when Matt Keenan (0), Lyndon Whitney (1) and Josh Smith (1) were all knocked over early. But opener Graeme Morton was banging them down the other end and he raced to a half century. He fell shortly after for a quickfire 56, with his team just 63 at the time.
Jason Coyle was a standout for Rugby, taking 3/30, while Strath Munro and Nick Karydis took two wickets each as Colts was dismissed for 162, with Nathan Finlay (25) and Tim Howarth (22) chipping in.
Colts proved too consistent with the ball, not allowing any easy runs while taking wickets at regular intervals.
No player made 20, with Max Rumble’s 19 the top effort while Finlay (2/11), Jakke Gardiner (2/22) and Howarth (2/22) were all key with the ball.
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.
