Stuart Naden made 85 as CYMS piled on more than 200 against Macquarie in the RSL-Whitney Cup on Saturday, but it was the effort and intent from his side in the field which pleased the Englishman the most.
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After a patient and slow start at No. 1 Oval the Cougars posted 5-217 from the 40 overs.
The Blues battled in reply as CYMS took wickets at regular intervals and never allowed the opposition into the game.
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Macquarie was bowled out for 113 in the 29th over.
“I think that’s the most pleasing thing,” Naden said of the bowling and fielding performance.
“We were pretty professional and have been for a few weeks now.
“In years gone by we’d take three or four wickets early and then drop a catch or still let them get 200 or a competitive score.
“Now we’re taking those chances and being really clinical. We’re putting our foot on the throat and it’s nice to see that tide is turning.”
With CYMS having lost only once this season and Macquarie having only won once, the Cougars went into the game as favourites even without Brock Larance.
After CYMS skipper Ben Knaggs won the toss and batted it was anything but comfortable early on.
Runs were hard to come by for Naden particularly early on as Joey Haylock and Emma Hughes persisted with a nagging length.
Despite the pressure, Macquarie didn’t help themselves and dropped numerous chances early on.
At drinks the Cougars were 1-62 with Naden on just 19 while Jake Settree (34) was the man out.
Runs started to come more easily after drinks, largely due to an aggressive approach from CYMS youngster Tom Coady.
The under 16s star took to the Blues attack and hit six sixes on his way to making a fine 70 while Naden got going and played a number of effective ramps in his knock of 85.
“Macquarie was tight early and a few wickets after drinks and it’s a completely different game,” Naden said.
“But Tommy Coady batted really well. His 70 was incredible really and shows how much he has matured while for me it was good to get a few but it was pretty ugly.
“But it was a pleasing performance all-round.”
Macquarie’s Ricky Medway, who took 3-51 from eight with the ball, got his side off to a strong start in reply as he hit Ben Strachan’s first two deliveries to the boundary.
He and Jason Green were positive early but both fell in quick succession, the former for 21 and the latter for 22, and the Blues never recovered.
Each of the five CYMS bowlers used did a job and took two wickets each, Strachan (2-32) and Edmunds (2-24) setting the tone early.
Ben O’Donnell, in his return having not played since round two, picked up the big wicket of Dan Medway on his way to taking 2-16 from five.
Knaggs (2-7) and Naden (2-31) knocked over the tail, the CYMS skipper bowling Blues’ best Brad Westcott for 35 late on.
CYMS plays Rugby next while Macquarie meets Newtown.
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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.
