Rod Hartas Trophy: Bathurst defends their title with win against Blue Mountains

The hosts were down 4-14 at one stage at the Sportsground before a rescue effort from Tyler Horton (51) got Bathurst to a competitive total of 141.

Bathurst then turned the screws on Blue Mountains in the field as they had the visitors all out for 95, with Ethan Muller (4-11) and Jacob Ryan (3-13) having a brilliant day with the ball.

Captain Andrew Brown always expected Blue Mountains to put up a much better fight compared to their six wicket win in the opening round.

"They had a different lineup and they just didn't have a good day the last time we played. They bowled pretty well and a few of us probably gave our wicket away a bit too easily. Credit goes to them there," he said.

"We were 4-14 and Tyler's come out there and scored at more than a run a ball. He always likes to score his runs quickly. He did a great job."

Horton put on a vital 59 run partnership alongside Tom Siede.

Siede scored a patient 21 from 96 balls and Ethan Muller chipped in with 21 runs of his own to help push Bathurst into triple figures.

"Tom and Ethan both batted well and took their time," Brown said.

"They got us to a decent enough score to defend."

Blue Mountains opening bowlers Jack Bragg (3-31) and Atticus Strong (3-25) were on target all day, as was Peter Evans (2-26).

Bathurst's bowlers got off to a great start to have Blue Mountains 2-7 early but a couple of small middle order contributions meant the visitors were never out of the hunt.

Aaron Long batted 71 balls for his 18 runs and Tim Ayers fought hard for his 25.

However, Bathurst let no partnership go on longer than 30 runs as the Blue Mountains men failed to find an answer to a strong bowling lineup.

"Everyone bowled well. Almost everyone got a wicket," Brown said.

"We bowled the right lines, kept it tight, and fielded really well as a team."

It's the second straight win in the Central West Cricket Council competition for Brown, who has been happy to lead the quality second-string Bathurst outfit.

"It just shows how strong Bathurst cricket is right now," he said.

"The boys in this team are pretty young but they're all learning and striving to reach the other district team and they're all a big part of their first grade teams."