RUGBY Union let out all their frustrations at not being able to complete a Bonnor Cup game up until Saturday, letting Bathurst City feel the force of a bowling blitz at Wade Park.
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After being denied a chance to play their opening two rounds matches due to rain Rugby Union made the most of their first opportunity to play in the T20 competition this season, winning by four wickets after chasing down the Redbacks' total of 70.
Sam Macpherson enjoyed another great day all-round with team-best bowling figures of 3-9 and an equal best score of 19 in an outfield where every run was difficult to earn.
Redbacks' marquee player Brock Larance produced a standout performance in defeat, hitting 16 as opening batsman and putting Rugby under serious pressure with the ball with his figures of 4-14 off four overs.
"There was no rust at all really, especially in the fielding side of things, which is a good sign because that's normally where the majority of the rust lies after a little break," Rugby skipper Ryan Peacock said.
"We said that if we could get through the powerplay with as little damage as possible we would be able to shut the game down. We executed that well."
Both all-Bathurst contests on Saturday, along with the St Pat's and City Colts game, were low scoring affairs.
Peacock said the pitch did provide some challenges for batsmen but it shouldn't take the shine of his side's effort with the ball and in the field.
"The cover was still on when we got there at 9am and the pitch was wet. It was difficult, definitely, but I think it was a mix of the wicket and some good bowling from us," he said.
"It wasn't the easiest wicket but both us and Pat's bowled well. It came down to good execution because if you made mistakes with the ball there were still runs to be had.
"It wasn't a typical fast outfield at Wade Park and it wasn't easy to bat on, that's for sure."
Bathurst City won the toss and elected to bat.
Blake Kreuzberger (9) and Larance provided a measured start to the innings, and with the former's dismissal Mark Day (22) came to the crease to keep the steady momentum going.
Percy Raveneau (2-7) removed the opening pair.
At 4-54 the dream of a triple figure score was still alive for Redbacks, assuming that their middle and lower order could hit their stride in the late overs.
But from there the innings belonged completely to Rugby, as Hugh McIntyre (3-18) and Macpherson feasted on the middle and lower order.
Macpherson got Rugby off to a good start with the bat but his dismissal at the hands of Larance, which left his side at 4-36, gave Redbacks plenty of belief that they could defend the small target.
However, Lachlan Coad (19) came onto the scene to help guide Rugby towards the target, with the team chasing the target in 17.4 overs.
Rugby Union will play Lithgow Lightning in their last pool match while Bathurst City will take on Cavaliers.
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