Darcy Chewings leading the way with the bat Rugby in RSL-Whitney Cup

Fast forward a couple of years and he's the opening batsmen for Rugby and one of the top run-scorers in the RSL-Whitney Cup approaching the halfway point of the season.

Chewings is coming off a mature and crucial 73 in last weekend's victory over RSL-Colts.

That result made it back-to-back wins for Rugby and the Jacob Hill-captained side has a golden chance to make it three straight when they take on the winless South Dubbo in Saturday's final round before the Christmas and New Year's break.

"It's been great getting a bit of momentum before the break," Chewings said.

"It would be good to make it three in a row but you can't underestimate them and we lost to them in a similar situation last season."

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It was almost exactly the same situation last season.

Rugby had produced wins over premiership contenders Colts and CYMS to give their finals hopes a real shot in the arm but against the lowly Hornets they failed to defend a total of 6/213.

If Rugby are to amass such a score again, it's likely Chewings will be key.

While two ducks in as many innings at one point wasn't particularly enjoyable, Chewings has also made scores of 28, 46, 44, and 73 to be sitting second on the run-scoring charts behind Chris Morton.

"It's coming together after two ducks in a row. It's been good to get some runs, it's a good feeling," Chewings said.

Last weekend's performance was his best up to this point as he dug in at the top of the order and helped Rugby chase down the 131 posted by defending premiers, RSL-Colts.

"That was the talk. Someone needed to dig but it was tough at first with (Ben) Semmler and (Grant) Malouf having the ball swinging around but it was good to get in and get the win," he said, before speaking about his role in the side.

"It's changed since I first started. I came in as more of a bowler but I'm happy opening the bat and I'm happy with the chances I've been getting.

"I've been feeling good in the nets. It's just about concentrating. There's been a times I've made silly mistakes but I feel good in my technique."

Rugby will be boosted on Saturday by the return of captain Hill and fellow representative player Ben Wheeler.

Both were away with the Western Plains Outlaws last weekend and the pair will ease the pressure on Chewings at the top of the order while Hill is also an important figure with the ball for his side.

"They can dictate the way the team goes," Chewings said of the pair.

Elsewhere on Saturday, there will be plenty of eyes on No. 3 Oval.

Top two teams Macquarie and CYMS will do battle there, with the chance to gain a psychological edge prior to the Christmas and New Year's break up for grabs.

Because of washouts early in the season, the Blues and Cougars have only met in one Twenty20 contest so far this summer. There, CYMS scored a comfortable victory but Macquarie has proved a standout in the 40-over format so far this summer.

Both sides have outstanding bowling attacks but how the Blues' pace bowling cartel fares against CYMS' top order could be decisive.

The Cougars' batting lineup is yet to truly take-off and reach its potential this season while Macquarie currently has the top three leading wicket-takers in the competition at its disposal.

Former CYMS all-rounder Lachlan Strachan has taken little time to settle in with the Blues while fellow newcomer Blake Smith is also making a real impact with the ball. Round out the top three is youngster Will Skinner, has taken to first grade well this summer.

The other match on Saturday is Newtown against RSL-Colts and it too could have an impact on the ladder.

Defending premiers Colts have slumped to back-to-back losses and Newtown's win over CYMS last weekend resulted in the Tigers' leapfrogging the men in red into third on the ladder.

Colts will welcome back a host of players on Saturday after they missed last weekend due to representative commitments.

All matches start at 1pm.

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