The veteran run machine has seen enough cricket in Dubbo to know what teams are capable of.

Unfortunately for him this season, he can’t see his Macquarie side figuring in the RSL-Whitney Cup grand finals.

But that hasn’t stopped the side from enjoying its cricket each week and there was plenty of reason to smile on Saturday when the Blues scored their first win of the season.

Green proved class is permanent when making a match-winning 87 while a handy all-round performance from youngster Brayth Stevenson was also key in the five-wicket win.

“It was good to get a win after we fell short against Rugby and Souths probably had a better side than us on paper but they just didn’t put it together and we batted well,” Green said, his side reaching the target of 197 in the 37^th over.

“We’re having fun and not taking things too seriously. I’m a realist and we’re not going to play semi-finals this season, I think you can say that even this early.

“But we’ll keep plodding along and doing what we can.”

The Blues showed real determination in getting their breakthrough win.

Souths were cruising at one point after winning the toss and batting, with experienced campaigners Mat Finlay (77) and Adam Wells (51) combining for a fine 109-run fourth-wicket partnership.

Those two were at the crease late on and at 3-174 with seven overs to spare it seemed the Hornets were bound for a score well in excess of 200.

But teenager Stevenson showed the simple way is the best way and after bowling Wells for 51 he just up his full and straight approach to great effect.

Souths lost an incredible 7-16 late on and Stevenson finished with 4-31 from 6.3.

Green, promoted up the order, set the tone in the run chase and while his 87 was the real standout, Stevenson’s contribution of 32 not out late on was vital.

It was also a welcome score for the young gun after a few tough weeks.

“He did very, very well,” Green said, before laughing about his partnership with Stevenson.

“He had got three golden ducks in a row so when he came out I asked how he was feeling and just said ‘oh, yeah’.

“He blocked the first one and I told the Souths boys to hold up for a second and I went and shook his hand.

“But then I just told him to back himself and he did.

“It was a bit disappointing I missed out on the hundred but the main thing is the win.”

Green’s 87 came from 85 balls and it was a knock which included 13 boundaries and one six.

The victory did come at a price.

Ryan O’Connor is set to miss at least one game after straining his calf while in a much bigger blow, captain Ed Haylock is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines after breaking his thumb.

Mitch Bower and Lachlan Rayner took two wickets each for Souths.