Ben Wheeler wasn’t at No. 1 Oval for long on Saturday but he made his time count, smashing a maiden RSL-Whitney Cup century for Rugby.
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However, it proved not enough as his side and Macquarie played out an enthralling and thrilling tie.
For the second time this season the two sides played out a match which went down to very final ball but after Rugby edged the result in the prior meeting this time the sides couldn’t be separated.
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In a finish where both sides were a massive chance of winning, Jacob Hill bowled the final over with his side needing one wicket while Macquarie only needed five runs to win.
But four runs came from the over, leaving both sides to wonder what could have been.
Wheeler was already on the road at that point, on his way to Narrabri before playing at next week’s NSW Country Colts carnival with Western Zone.
The teenage opening bat had earlier made 125 as his side piled on 2-221 but then Jason Green inspired the Blues’ chase.
Wheeler made his presence felt before he departed, something he was determined to do.
“It was a good achievement. I’ve finally got one,” he said after his maiden RSL-Whitney Cup century.
“I was keen to put the head down and just tick off 50 first. Once I got there I wanted to go on with it.
“I haven’t really been looking for the hundred before but I was really keen yesterday (Saturday). Before I’d just thought 50 was good but yesterday I was really keen for some runs.”
Wheeler lost opening partner Glenn Shepherd (6) early on Saturday but then he and Jacob Hill combined in a brilliant partnership.
The left-handed Wheeler punished anything loose on a bouncy No. 1 Oval deck while Hill played a fine supporting role in the latest in a strong of strong performances for his side.
Wheeler hit 16 boundaries in his knock and when he was finally removed by James Hughes (1-46) he had amassed 125 from 136 balls.
Hill went on to finish with an unbeaten 63 to help Rugby go well past 200.
Macquarie’s run chase didn’t begin well with the dangerous Ricky Medway (13) falling early to the bowling of youngster Ben Rosenbaum.
Medway’s opening partner Green dug in though and found real support in Ryan O’Connor.
O’Connor kept things simple while veteran Green ensured the runs kept flowing and put his side in the prime position.
They added 70 for the second wicket before O’Connor departed for 39, however Green then continued on.
Rugby skipper Nathan Munro then brought himself into the attack and it proved a masterstroke as he removed Green for 91, just short of yet another century.
Munro then continued and picked up another key wicket in Daniel Medway (27).
Munro’s five overs changed the game, his 4-22 swung the match back in his side’s favour but it proved not enough in the entertaining clash.
Hill continued his fine all-round form by taking 2-39, opening the bowling and then coming back on to control things late.
The result means Rugby maintains its position well ahead of the fifth-placed Macquarie but the defending premiers are now even further behind the rampaging top three sides.
“We’ve just got to keep working,” Wheeler said, his side not looking too far ahead before the Christmas break.
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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.
