CYMS now sit comfortably in third spot on the ladder and look set for the finals.

Macquarie won the toss and sent CYMS into bat and after a middle order collapse saw Brock Larance, Thomas Nelson and Jake Settree all fall with the score at 71, the decision looked like it may pay dividends.

But Strachan steadied the ship and helped his side to a defendable 8/165 off its 40 overs.

CYMS Skipper Ben Knaggs said it was a “crucial” innings for his side.

“Our top order didn’t start too well so Ben coming in in the middle order and batting as well as he did helped us get to 165,” he said.

“We knew 165 wasn’t the best score, but with our bowling attack, I was confident if we stuck to our plans we could be in with a chance.

“Macquarie’s batsmen are in good form, so it was pleasing to see we kept them below the 160 mark.

“Jason Green’s innings was valuable for them and he looked good and nearly won it for them.”

Knaggs was full of praise for his bowlers.

“Bailey Edmunds (4/32 off 8) is bowling quick and at the stumps and has an aggressive mindset, he ripped through their top order and he is coming into form at the right time of the year for us,” Knaggs said.

“I thought Ben Strachan bowled well, even though he got no wickets his bowling created pressure and Brock Larance and Stuart Naden also bowled well creating pressure and taking wickets. Nick Guthrie came in and bowled nice and full to the tail and got a couple. It just shows when you bowl to a plan it is tough for the other team to get away.”

Details: CYMS 8/165 defeated Macquarie 9/154

CYMS: Ben Strachen 45 and Bailey Edmunds 4/32 off 8.  Macquarie: Jason Green 74.