At the midway point of Saturday's RSL-Whitney Cup match at No. 2 Oval it was looking like another demoralising day for South Dubbo.
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The Hornets had just spent 40 overs in the heat watching competition leaders RSL-Colts pile on a huge 4/292, an innings highlighted by a 232-run partnership between centurions Brad Cox and Marty Jeffrey.
The chase began poorly as Souths fell to 2/9 and while memories of the dreaded day earlier this season where the Hornets were bowled out for 22 by CYMS began to resurface, there was no such collapse this time.
Captain Angus Norton stood up and made 53 from 50 balls but the undoubted standout of the innings was teenager Ted Murray.
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Murray showed mentality and temperament beyond his years and made 76 to ensure his side still had positives to take from what was a 79-run loss.
"You can't take anything away from 'Norto' and Ted," Colts captain Jeffrey said after his side's win.
"Ted's innings was all class. For a young kid to bat the way he did, I saw it was his first 50 and going off that there's going to be more to come."
While it might seem obvious Jeffrey would think the No. 2 Oval pitch was a good one on Saturday, the skipper thought there was enough on the day for the bowlers as well.
It showed early in both innings as Colts lost in-form duo Charlie Kempston (2) and Mitch Bower (2) on the way to being 2/7 and then 3/55 after winning the toss and batting.
"I think it was probably one of the best wickets we've played on all year," Jeffrey said.
"Mitch and Charlie went early and (Souths') Lochie Endacott and Ryan Boland showed with the new ball there was enough in the wicket and they got a little out of it."