Ben Strachan starred on his return while young gun Tom Coady made 74 after guiding the Western Zone under 14s during the week and Brock Larance also had a strgon all-round game.

CYMS posted 9/279 from their 45 against Macquarie at No.1 and the Blues could only manage 233 in reply.

Knaggs and his men remain at the foot of the ladder and finals remains unlikely but the captain was pleased to see his side's efforts this season rewarded.

"After a poor start and with such a young side that's still developing, a couple more wins under the belt would be nice and just want everyone to really enjoy their cricket,” Knaggs said of what he wants from his team.

“It’s a chance to mature because there’s a few blokes here who have only made their first grade debut this season and I want them to have a really good season and have fun and work towards getting a few more wins.”

Macquarie captain Keiran Brien sent the Cougars in and after a few spots of rain and two early wickets it seemed a good move.

But that brought young guns Coady and Larance together and the pair complimented each other perfectly in a fantastic 138-run partnership.

Larance dominated early, taking 17 off one James Hugh over, while it took Coady more than six overs to get off the mark.

But once Coady was away the runs piled on and he beat Larance to his half century.

Larance wasn’t too far behind but a mix-up with his partner soon after saw him runout for a well-made 60.

When Coady fell for a classy 74 CYMS was 5-180 and eyeing off a big total and with Strachan at the crease that soon became a reality.

The burly all-rounder pummelled the Blues attack and belted nine sixes in his rapid-fire knock of 82 not out.

That helped the Cougars get closer to 300 than 250 while the Blues bowlers were made to toil, Hughes finishing with 3/46.

“Tom Coady is a really good cricketer, really mature for his age, and I thought he batted really well and beyond his years,” Knaggs said, before speaking about Strachan.

“Having him back just gives everyone a bit of a buzz. He hit a quick 82 and then bowled really good wheels and having him back in the team impacts on everyone.”

Strachan knocked over Nic Cosier without a run being scored in the chase and while Ryan O’Connor (43) and Ed Haylock (33) looked good the scoreboard pressure took it’s toll.

Dan Medway belted a quality 66 and threatened to get his team right in it but his departure signalled the end of the chase.

The Blues fell 46 runs short and the loss, coupled with other results, sees them clinging to third spot on the RSL-Whitney Cup by just two points.

Seamers Strachan, Nick Karydis, Ben O’Donnell and Nick Guthrie took two wickets each for CYMS..

“It was a really good performance all-round,” Knaggs said.

“Everyone chipped in.”