By NICK GUTHRIE

MACQUARIE have strengthened their finals claims further after defeating Whitney Cup leaders Newtown by four wickets at No. 3 Oval on Saturday.

With Rugby and South Dubbo both losing yesterday the Blues have now firmly entrenched themselves in this season's top three and have racked up three consecutive wins.

Macquarie kept Newtown's powerful batting lineup subdued on Saturday as they kept the Tigers to 9-169 from their 40 overs.

Ed Haylock, continuing his standout season, then guided his team to victory, making 85 as the Blues reached the target with eight balls to spare.

"We've got a bit of momentum now so it was a very important win," Macquarie captain Kieran Brien said.

"With Rugby losing it puts us about a game ahead so not sure if it was our best win but definitely our most important."

Newtown won the toss and batted and Macquarie's decision to open the bowling with Joe Haylock paid immediate dividends as he trapped Dan Holland in front with the score still on zero.

Angus Cusack got in the act when he bowled Wayne Dunlop but that brought the two in-form Skinner brothers, Mat and Steve, to the crease together.

The pair added 36 before Shane Dupille removed Steve and after Mat had patiently worked himself into the innings he was caught trying to lift the run rate off the bowling of Justin Gavin for 35.

Dan French made 29 but no one could go on and make the big score as Macquarie kept the pressure on and restricted the Tigers.

"We've always backed our bowlers, we're a better bowling side than batting but in saying that they played some stupid shots too, I think they were a bit cocky and thinking they'd get more runs against us," Brien said.

The Blues lost Joe Haylock early in the run chase but Ed Haylock and Hamish Smith added 61 before Smith fell for 14.

Despite losing 3-14 in the middle order, Haylock brought up his 50 and kept his side on track while skipper Brien made 34.

Haylock was trapped in front by Mat Skinner for a well-made 85 just two runs short of the target but he had done his job and the Blues made it win number four for the season.

"He was great," Brien said of Haylock.

"He picked out the bad ball, was patient and turned the strike over well so he was a real rock for us.

"Myself and Jason Green have told him that he's got to work to be there at the end for us so he's got a really key role."