In the space of 24 hours, both the Rugby and RSL-Colts clubs could have their seasons defined.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Rugby Liberty OneSteelers will meet the Bob Berry Blasters, Colts’ Twenty20 outfit, in the McDonald’s Megahit grand final on Friday night before the two clubs meet in a massive second day of RSL-Whitney Cup final round action.
Rugby moved through to the decider on Friday night, when a Ben Patterson century and a Jacob Hill hat-trick highlight a mammoth 113-run win over the Castlereagh Hornets.
Patterson smashed 103 not out, an innings which included seven sixes, inside 11 overs after Jordan Moran had blasted a rapid 75 at the top of the order.
Despite those two efforts, Patterson said there was more to the total of 3/216, particularly during his time at the crease.
“Jacob Hill played a perfect support role,” he said, Hill making 13 not out in a 82-run stand between the pair.
“He rotated the strike, ran hard twos often when he was going to the danger end. He played it superbly.”
Mitch Bower took 3/29 for the Hornets.
Hill then took 4/21 from four as the Hornets made just 103 in reply to Rugby’s massive total.
Patterson (1/7) knocked over Corey McDean in the first over and then opening partner Hill removed Mitch Bower, Henry Railz and Adam Wells in a memorable hat-trick.
Mick McCarthy (31 not out) hit out late on to top score.
“He bowled incredibly. I can’t praise him enough, Patterson said of Hill, before looking to later this week.
“Our aim now is to take down Colts on Friday night and then again on Saturday.”