Matt Willis top scores for Bathurst City, Rugby limits damage at George Park

Bathurst City's Matt Willis came into Saturday's game against Rugby Union with the tough task of replacing one of Bathurst District Cricket Association's big hitters, Ben Orme, but he was more than up to the task.

The experienced batsman hit a team-high 72 at number six to help Redbacks make an overnight declaration of 9-258 at George Park 1.

Willis stepped back from first grade this season to focus on his role as club president but when recalled for a crack with the bat he's got plenty up his sleeve - such as nine fours and a six.

Mark Day (55), Joey Coughlan (48) and Clint Moxon (35 not out) all contributed significant scores.

Those knocks are crucial for a Redbacks side fighting for their place in the finals.

Redbacks captain Coughlan said it's a fine thing to have strong players to call upon during such an important time of the season.

"Swapping a big gun for a bigger gun," he said of Willis.

"There were a lot of people who chipped in. I was 48 half an hour before first drinks before I hit one to short cover. Mark Day came in at three to get 55 which was great.

"Matt batted for a long time out there then Mocko came out at the end to bang 35 with an hour to go in the day."

The decision to declare was an easy one for Coughlan to make, given the team's bid to jump back inside the top three.

In fact, he was keen to make the call earlier.

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"I almost declared about an hour earlier at around 212 but we put on another 40 to 50 runs," he said.

"Now we'll wait and see if the boys can take 20 wickets next week."

An outright win for Redbacks is a tough ask against a determined Rugby side who themselves aren't entirely safe from elimination - especially with third-placed Colts on the brink of a win over Centennials Bulls.

Three Rugby bowlers finished with a pair of wickets, with Tim McKinnon the pick of the group at 2-32.

Rugby's Chris Albon believed both teams had reason to feel good about how their respective days panned out.

"It was an even day as far as I'm concerned. They got 260, a decent total, and we bowled pretty well. I'd say they'd be happy with how they finished up and we'd be happy with how we finished up as well," he said.

"We eventually frustrated Joey out and we had the first four wickets for 80 runs. From my point of view we were on top at that stage, and we bowled tight for another 40 overs and kept the runs down.

"Our tight bowling kept them at bay and it was really only after the last drinks break where they hit out and tried to score big runs. 

"They were down Ben Orme but the inclusion of Matt Willis has made a difference. He played a patient role for them before he hit out towards the end.

"Our problem that we put down around five catches though the day and that cost us getting Clint Moxon out early."