RSL-Colts gave a reminder of its quality when scoring a straightforward win over the previously unbeaten Newtown on Saturday.
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The Tigers have been tipped by many as a genuine title threat this summer while there has also been plenty of interest sparked by the resurgence at CYMS in the RSL-Whitney Cup.
But as has been the case so many times in the past, Colts’ men in red showed they will still be firmly in the mix come the business end of the season.
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The mix of experience and youth at Colts was on show at No. 3 Oval, the youngsters shining with the ball before stalwart Brad Cox controlled the run chase as his side reached the target of 125 with relative ease.
The win sees Colts move into a share of top spot with CYMS.
“We were pretty keen to put in a good performance,” Colts’ Jason Ryan said.
“There’s been some talk about everyone thinking they (Newtown) will go far this season so we had a bit of a point to prove.
“They gave us a bit of tap early and were about 1-50 after only four or five overs but it was really good for us to take wickets and fight our way back.”
After being sent out to field, Colts struck early when Tom Atlee removed Wayne Dunlop (1) in the first over.
It’s really good having young guys not only in the team, but contributing each week.
- Jason Ryan on Colts' teenage talents
But the Tigers soon got on top as Dan Holland (25) began to tear the attack apart.
He was removed by Rhys Beauchamp in the fifth over with the score on 40 and from there it was a procession of wickets.
Beauchamp (3-12 from five) picked up the big wicket of Ben Patterson (2) before teenager spinner Mitch Ashford ripped through the middle and lower order.
The young gun, who has played a handful of first grade games in the past, went on to finish with 4-28 from seven overs.
“He probably should have played more first grade last season but having so many spinners and (English import) Darrel (Williams) then it didn’t leave many overs for him,” Ryan said of Ashford.
“He played mainyl second grade but now we’re really please with him. He’s bowling really well.
“Rhys is going really well too and Tommy Atlee is sending them down quick at the moment so it’s really good having young guys not only in the team, but contributing each week.”
The run chase was relative simple for RSL-Colts.
While Wes Giddings (3) fell early, his side managed to see off the strong opening bowling unit of Ben Patterson and Mat Skinner before building the total up.
Steve Skinner knocked over both Marty Jeffrey (10) and Tom Atlee (19) but Cox, as has been the case so many times in the past, saw his side home.
He finished unbeaten on 45.
“We were only chasing 120-odd so overs were never going to be an issue,” Ryan said.
“We just had to weather the storm early against ‘Patto’ and Mat and once we got through those we could get the runs off the others.
“We probably could have gone harder and looked to get the bonus point but the win was the main thing and we were never in any real danger.”
Newtown falls to third while Colts meets CYMS in another big match next round.
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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.
