Macquarie has been treating every match as a must-win recently in the RSL-Whitney Cup and that attitude appears to be working.
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The Blues produced one of their best efforts of the season on Saturday, rolling competition heavyweight RSL-Colts for 137 before finishing at 4/73 in reply.
While slightly frustrated to lose late wickets, Macquarie captain Keiran Brien said overall it was a successful day.
“Not many people expect you to beat them (Colts) so if we can win this one it would be a big boost, especially mentally heading into finals,” he said.
Teenage opening bowler James Hughes was the star on Saturday.
Hughes claimed 6/35, but each of the Blues’ five frontline bowlers was a standout and never let the pressure ease.
Brien admitted it would have been a good toss to lose but his decision to bowl proved a masterstroke on a No. 1 Oval pitch which offered a bit more life than it is known for.
“He (Hughes) bowled good lines and built pressure and jagged wickets here and there. He was definitely the pick of them,” Brien said.
“But it was the way we bowled as a unit. B.T (Ben Taylor) went for only 15 from 12 overs and Joey Haylock was about the same.
“We worked hard and put in for the bloke down the other end.”
Jeremy Dickson (3/30) also impressed while Brad Cox (48) was really the only Colts batsman to dig in.
He and captain Jason Ryan, standing in for Greg Buckley, added 43 for the fifth wicket before Hughes removed the latter.
“When J.R and ‘Coxy’ got together we knew it might be a good partnership and that they might set it up but we kept the pressure on, jagged J.R, and then seemed get wickets together,” Brien said.
Colts was dismissed with 15 overs remaining and Jason Green and Ed Haylock made a positive start before departing for 27 and 8 respectively.
Nick Cosier (1) and Anthony Heraghty (7) also departed, both falling to a rejuvenated Tim Cox, who claimed 3/18 and shapes as the major threat next Saturday.
Hamish Smith (14 not out) and Keiran Brien (11 not out) will resume the chase next week, with 65 more runs needed.
“It was good to see blokes be positive but there was also some rash shots,” Brien said.
“But the majority of the runs are down and it’s up to us blokes to dig in next week. Overall it was a happy day.”
Results:
RSL-Colts 137 v Macquarie 4/73
Colts: Brad Cox 48, Tim Cox 3/18
Macquarie: James Hughes 6/35, Jeremy Dickson 3/30
