The South Dubbo Hornets weren't getting too carried away when it came to setting goals for the 2019/20 RSL-Whitney Cup season.
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After winning just one game last season and enduring more changes to the lineup in the off-season, it was all about taking small steps when summer arrived.
A heavy loss to Macquarie in the opening round wasn't what was desired but the Hornets bounced back and showed real fight on day one of the second round clash with CYMS.
Souths batted out the day at No. 1 Oval on Saturday, the final wicket falling in the last over of the day with the score at 230.
Angus Norton made 67 while Greg Rummans worked with the tail and finished 50 not out.
They held off a CYMS attack led by Bailey Edmunds who, despite front foot issues which resulted in him bowling a staggering 20 no balls, finished with 5/58 from 25 overs.
"It's about taking small steps and trying to build," Rummans said of his side.
"Batting out the day was a big thing and the boys didn't have great results in that regard last season."
The Hornets may have rode their luck at times on Saturday but the improvement was clear to see, with the total of 230 higher than any score achieved in the RSL-Whitney Cup last season.
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While Norton and Rummans, two of the older figures in the side, led the way a number of younger players are contributing in meaningful ways.
Lochie Endacott made a grafting half century in round one to help stave off an outright loss and Rummans said that patience and dedication rubbed off on his teammates.
Lachlan Rayner also chipped in on Saturday, making the most of his chance in the middle and scoring 30 to help his side go well past 200.
"We should have been able to post a similar score against Macquarie but Lochie showed the guys how to bat and I think 'Norto' took that onboard on Saturday," Rummans said.
"I was really happy with Lachy Rayner. He kept it simple and he barely made a run last season but frustrated (CYMS captain) Benny Knaggs and did well.
"It was just good to bat out the day."
With the Cougars possessing the likes of Brock Larance and Thomas Nelson in the batting lineup the Hornets still face a test next week in the field.
But rather than get too preoccupied with what they have to do on day two, Rummans wants his side to just keep building bit by bit.
"We're not out to win any World Cups or anything like that but we'll see where we are in six weeks or so," he said.
"We should get stronger."
Ben O'Donnell and Brock Larance backed up opening bowler Edmunds and took two wickets each on Saturday.