In a new addition to the Daily Liberal's coverage of the RSL-Whitney Cup this season, each week we'll look at some of the major talking points coming out of the first grade competition in the Quick Singles series.
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It might be good, it might be bad, it might just be something we find funny. Either way, it's more of a look at what's happening in one of the bush's strongest club competitions.
There's only been one round played out but already there's plenty to talk about.
1. IT'S CLEAR ALREADY. THE BLUES ARE BACK
Last season Macquarie were the best of the rest. Newtown, Colts, and CYMS were pencilled in as finalists immediately and the rest were left to play for pride.
Things already look different for the Blues. Angus Cusack provides a real new ball threat and while he may not have tore through Souths on the weekend he was economical and that is something Macquare missed last season.
Justin Gavin is back around the side, Brayth Stevenson and Brad Westcott are now more experienced, and the core group of premiership winners remains and it all came together in round one as the side went close to an outright win.
Things are looking good for Macquarie and a potential major early season switch from one of the region's standout talents sometime soon could further boost the side's hopes.
2. LACHIE AND LOCHIE IN FOR BIG SEASONS
Two very different players, two very similar names, two crucial performances which could point to things ahead.
It's fair to say we haven't seen the best of Lachie Strachan since his return to CYMS last season but he made 55 in the round one win over Rugby and if he can score consistently it will be massive for a Cougars side still prone to the odd collapse. He didn't feature with the ball on Saturday but if he can start firing there he'll give an already strong bowling cartel a further boost.
As for Lochie Endacott, he showed the kind of fight and promise Souths needs this summer. The teenager got a handful of chances in first grade with CYMS but after an off-season switch to the Hornets he'll be comfortable knowing a spot is his each week.
It only took one game for him to cement himself as he got through 10 overs with the ball and then made a truly gutsy 170-ball 55 on Saturday to stave off an outright win. Some of the side's older heads could do well to follow his example.
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3. COULD COLTS' OLD GUARD FINALLY BE CHANGING?
Wes Giddings may have moved back to second grade now but the veteran group of Jason Ryan, Chris Morton, Ben Semmler and Brad Cox is still likely to play a major role in RSL-Colts' top side this season.
However, maybe this season could be one a new, younger crew becomes the key for the men in red.
The old heads chipped in during the round one win over Newtown but with Marty Jeffrey captain, Charlie Kempston making the move across from Newtown, Beauchamp brothers Rhys and Preston around the side, and the highly-rated Anthony Atlee taking his chance in a big way in the opening round it's clear there's plenty of promise in the side.
It's not a huge shift yet, but the signs are there a new force will be vital for Colts this season.
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