Ben Wheeler's golden start to the summer continued on Saturday but it wasn't enough as Rugby fell 17 runs short of a first RSL-Whitney Cup win for the season.
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Wheeler made his second century of the first grade summer at No. 2 Oval but his side fell short of RSL-Colts' total of 207.
Half centuries for Mitch Bower (74) and Anthony Atlee (62) had earlier led the way for Colts but Glenn Shepherd's five-wicket haul dragged Rugby back into the match.
The club veteran took 5/12 from just 3.5 overs as Colts was knocked over for 207.
With Wheeler at the crease Rugby were well in the hunt and his 76-run third wicket stand with Jacob Hill had hopes of an upset well and truly alive.
But when Bower (1/36) removed Hill (26) it immediately became more difficult and while Wheeler reached his milestone he became one of Grant Malouf's late victims soon after.
Wheeler fell for 100 and then Malouf's 4/27 secured a Colts win.
In the round's other match, Macquarie fought off a gallant Newtown at Lady Cutler 3.
Early on it appeared the Blues would cruise to victory as Newtown was reduced to 9/96, with destroyer Ben Strachan (4/19) well supported by Joe Haylock (3/31).
But Gaurav Sharma (31) and Mitch Lincoln (26 not out) put on 62 for the last wicket to get the Tigers to a competitive total of 158.
Macquarie was then 2/7 early in the chase as Dan Medway (2) and Jason Green (4) departed but Myles Smith (57 not out) led the recovery.
The Blues won by six wickets with more than five overs remaining.
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.
