A stunning 40 not out from tail-ender Rhys Beachamp has helped RSL Colts to a decisive win over South Dubbo in Saturday’s Whitney Cup clash at Victoria Park No 2 Oval.
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In doing so, he helped the side continue its unbeaten start to the 2018-19 RSL-Whitney Cup season, and therefore its lead over the competition.
“Otherwise we probably would have lost,” swing bowler Tom Atlee said of Beauchamp’s knock, as well as the foundation laid by Greg Buckley (47).
“It gives us a good lead now.
“If we had lost, it would have brought the top three a lot closer, so it’s good to have that lead for any games we may lose throughout the season.”
Colts seemed off to a strong start with opener Wes Giddings (39), Brad Cox (20) and Greg Buckley (47) all setting a solid foundation.
But a devastating, middle-order collapse saw Chris Morton (1), Tom Atlee (8), Aaron Morris (4), Grant Malouf (0) and Tim Howarth (10) all fall in the space of 20 runs.
Joseph Cant (2/33) and Mat Finlay (2/32) in particular wreaked havoc, the former dismissing Buckley before the latter saw off the two new batters (Morton and Atlee) in quick succession in the 27th over.
At 9/150 and on a challenging wicket, RSL Colts were in some strife.
Enter Beauchamp, batting for the first time this Whitney Cup season.
He hit 40 off just 25 balls to help Colts to a respectable total of 215.
I’ve just been working on pitching it up and getting the ball to swing and that paid off.
- RSL Colts bowler Tom Atlee
Hornets opener Angus Norton (49) anchored significant partnerships with Mitch Bower (34) and Corey McDean (27), and at 5/181 the Colts had plenty of reasons to worry.
But Buckley (3/31) claimed the crucial wicket of Scott Tucker (23) and then Christian Mason (0) inside the 36th over and Atlee (3/22) finished of the Hornets’ tail to secure the 26-run win.
“I though it was a pretty good all-round effort,” he said.
“We lacked a bit with the bat so we just needed to work hard with the ball and we got a couple of late wickets which brought us back in the game.
“Our bowling has been lacking in the last few weeks so it was good for all the bowlers to bowl well and really just put on a bit of a show.”
Put on a show they did, with Buckley and Giddings (2/35) proving their all-rounder status, while Beauchamp and Howarth claimed one apiece.
Atlee wracked up his 13th wicket of the 2018-19 RSL-Whitney Cup season.
“I’ve just been working on pitching it up and getting the ball to swing and that paid off,” he said.
“There’s one more round before Christmas and we have a couple out next week, so it was good to get that win and hopefully get a break and refresh for the start of next year.”
RSL Colts now prepare to face the second-placed Newtown in the final round before Christmas.
