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.
Here's what caught our attention on Saturday.
1. Bottom three no longer miles off the pace
Remember last season when we knew the top after after just a couple of rounds? As good as the top teams were last season the sheer difference between the top three and bottom three took away plenty of excitement as finals were decided well before Christmas.
We knew things were going to be different this season and it's already clear to see. Last season's wooden spooners, Souths, are unlikely to make finals this season but proved on Saturday they're improving by posting a higher total than they did at any stage last season when making 230 against CYMS.
The return of Greg Rummans, who played second grade last season, provides a stabilising effect on the middle order and he made 50 on Saturday while many of the younger players are now that little more experienced.
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They may still get beaten by a talented CYMS side but they're showing their a better side and the same goes for Rugby and Macquarie.
Macquarie already has one win in the bag while a Jacob Hill-inspired Rugby pushed Colts on Saturday.
An actual finals race is now on the cards and that's a good thing for the competition and its fans.
2. Buzz battles against the line
Oh, Bailey Edmunds. He's one of the real characters of the competition and has developed into a standout bowler in recent years.
When you simply look at his figures it appears he had a great day out on Saturday, bagging 5/58 from 25 overs, but take a little bit of a closer look at the scorecard.
Yep, that's right. 20 no balls. All for stepping over the mark with his front foot.
It had many wondering what the record is in Dubbo cricket but there's no doubt 'Buzz' has given it a real shake.
Someone who's had issues with his front foot before, Edmunds was called time and time again by umpire Ernie Tink on Saturday.
Just to make it that little worse, one no ball came on a delivering when Edmunds had taken a wicket.
3. Strachan steams in earlier than expected
When speaking about his early off-season switch from CYMS to Macquarie last week, boom all-rounder Ben Strachan said it was unlikely he'd be bowling pace again before Christmas due to an ongoing elbow niggle.
One of the fastest bowlers in the region when firing, Strachan bowled a few overs of spin in round one for CYMS but he had the seam up when taking the ball for the Blues on Saturday.
To be fair to Strachan, he wasn't bowling at any great pace and is nowhere near his best but if he does get fit and firing sooner than expected than it's only good news for Macquarie.
Saturday proved their much-improved bowling lineup still has some work to do as Newtown piled on 8/266 at Lady Cutler 2.
Angus Cusack bowled first change as he still builds up to top form after a season away from the game while spinner Dan Medway was again forced to get through plenty of overs.