Chris Morton spent more time at the crease in the space of 12 hours this weekend than he had in more than two seasons.
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The RSL-Colts skipper smashed his Bob Berry Blasters side through to the McDonald's Megahit final on Friday night, making a near-flawless 98 not out, before saving his side's blushes on Saturday.
In a match which may well be played in the looming RSL-Whitney Cup finals, Morton made 129 not out as Colts recovered from 8-106 to post 228 against CYMS.
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Rhys Beachamp, who made 23 in a vital 102-run partnership with Morton, then knocked over Stuart Naden (11) and Bailey Edmunds (2) to have the Cougars reeling at 2-20 at stumps.
"I haven't really had to bat too much being down at six and seven," Morton said.
"There's hasn't been much opportunity but it was good to spend some time in the middle and make the most of it."
The Cougars, led by James 'Busta' Nelson's outstanding 6-86 in his return to first grade and Ben Knaggs' tireless spell of 3-46 from 21 overs, started brilliantly.
Nelson, opening the bowling after playing second grade all season, picked up the first two wickets before Knaggs claimed the prized wicket of Brad Cox for 16.
Things would have been even better had Morton not been dropped behind after edging one of Knaggs when he was on zero.
The Colts captain went on to make them pay in a big way.
"I definitely had to work for it," Morton said.
"It was one of those pitches where you never really felt in and it was hard to judge things. (CYMS') Seamers bowled really well too, especially 'Knaggsy'.
"The ball moved all day so you just had to wait for that loose one which was only every couple of overs. Whether it was short or strayed on the the pads when they had a 9-2 field almost all day to me."
While the fighting performance and position may seem like the perfect chance for Colts to strike a psychological blow on a finals rival, Morton knows how different things could have been.
As well as his dropped chance, CYMS was playing without the suspended Ben Strachan.
"He (Strachan) could have made a massive difference on that pitch but then Tom Atlee wasn't going to bowl for us yesterday on what I thought was one of the best decks we've had," Morton said.
"But to get a win against any other side playing finals would be a good thing."
Morton also had plenty of praise for Beauchamp, who had to stay restrained and support the centurion while batting, before peppering the Cougars with the ball.
"I think he's the rookie of the year this season from what I've seen," Morton said.
Tom Coady (3 not out) and Brock Larance (3 not out) will resume the chase next week.
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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.
