TWO pieces of individual brilliance from rival players saw Rugby Union suffer back-to-back Twenty20 defeats in Bathurst District Cricket Association first grade action Saturday.
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Rugby lost just once during the one-day portion of the season, but skipper Sam Macpherson said “too many dropped catches in the field hurt” his side on Saturday.
It saw Rugby slip from second on the ladder to third as it suffered a 28-run loss to St Pat’s Old Boys then an eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Centennials Bulls.
In game one, Pat's made 6-168 batting first, with Brad Glasson (2-41 off four overs) the best of the Rugby bowlers.
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In reply Rugby was tracking well at 1-80 off 12 overs, but Broes claimed three wickets in five deliveries when introduced into the attack and that swung momentum.
Rugby was only able to manage 6-140 in reply, Broes finishing with 5-23.
Jeremy Thackery’s 38 was the top score for Rugby as he opened the batting, with Brad Glasson (27) and Macpherson (25) also handy.
“Credit to Pat’s who batted well throughout the innings, 168 was always going to be a tough total to chase,” Macpherson said.
In Rugby’s second match against the Bulls, it was Ryan Guerney who proved decisive with an unbeaten 103.
Rugby gave him a chance early in his innings and he took advantage as he spearheaded a successful chase.
Bulls reached the required total two wickets down with 15 deliveries to spare, Gurney having cracked nine boundaries and sent the ball over the rope seven times.
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Earlier Rugby had made 140, recovering to post a competitive total after being 4-32 in the fifth over.
Tyler Horton (66 not out) had led the fightback, while Olly Newton made a handy 20 coming in at number seven.
“He set us up with a great innings after our top order collapse,” Macpherson said of Horton.
“He and Olly Newton batted well together.
“We thought we were a chance to defend 140 … but once we dropped a few catches, and Ryan Gurney batted really well.
“Injuries and unavailability has hurt us lately with some key players [missing], but we’re hoping we’ll be full strength for the two-dayers.”
