It might have been smooth sailing for Rugby Union against Centennials Bulls in the side’s first day of action of Bathurst District Cricket Association first grade play last Saturday, but Rugby are expecting a much more challenging day at the office come this Saturday’s afternoon.
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While Rugby dismissed Bulls for just 71 in their first innings – featuring a seven wicket haul from Aidan McBurney, Rugby responded with a hit of 3-193 with the bat before declaring.
Bulls lost a wicket in their second innings before stumps and are set to resume at 1-11, but they’ll have three returning big hitting players – Ryan Gurney, Percy Raveneau and Scott Jablonskis – all set to return as Bulls look to avoid an outright loss against the defending champions.
“We’re expecting this Saturday will be much harder than last week, with a few of their batters returning,” Rugby skipper Sam Macpherson said.
“Obviously it was a very good team performance over the whole first day, with the fielding, batting and bowling.
“Aidan took seven, Jameel and Imran got plenty of runs and everyone else fielded and caught well.
“It’s not often you have days at cricket where everything clicks like that.”
Last Saturday’s efforts sets up Rugby to be in a strong position to claim an outright win.
Interestingly enough, Rugby was the only team to claim an outright win during the 2017-18 season, also against Centennials Bulls.
An outright win for Rugby could prove vital for their grand final chances and could push the team to as high as first, depending on other results.
The current defending champions are currently siting in fourth spot, just outside a play-offs spot.
The second day of the match between Rugby Union and Centennials Bulls will get underway at 1.30pm, from the Bathurst Sportsground.
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