RUNNING hard between the wickets is crucial in cricket, and Will King would've been hoping he pushed just a little bit harder on Saturday after finishing on 98 not out.
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Although he likely won't lose too much sleep over it, as the Belmore Bulls still picked up a strong victory over Murrurundi, storming home to win by 94 runs.
King came in early at number three following the dismissal of Jake Duffin for just 4, and proceeded to put together a huge partnership with Ben Crackett, who made 88 of his own.
Gurmanpreet Singh got off the mark with a single but couldn't add anymore, and Chris Knight contributed an unbeaten 4 before the innings finished with the home side making an impressive 3 for 216.
In reply, Murrurundi could only narrowly avoid a triple figure defeat and made it just one ball past the 20 over mark.
Jake Chapple top scored for the visitors, making 29 before being run out by Crackett who also took 3 wickets of his own, meaning he shared the bowling honours with Gavin Newton who took 3 for 17.
The Bulls possess fourth place on the table but are equal on points with Belltrees, who slipped to third after their top of the table clash against Merriwa was called off due to poor air quality and the teams shared points.
Rouchel made the most of that opportunity, moving into second by comfortably defeating Bushrangers.
They lost just two wickets as they chased down 123, a total that was most heavily contributed to by George Betts and Cameron Davis who made 33 and 32 respectively.
Nate Atkinson cause most of the damage for the victors, making an unbeaten 55 as they caught the score in 19 overs at more than a run a ball.
Another side who only lost 2 batsman in their win was Aberdeen, who easily surpassed Souths score of just 56.
However, early in the winner's innings it actually looks as if the Muswellbrook side could deliver a miracle comeback, sending two players back to sheds with the scorers being troubled.
It fell apart from there though, as Jeremy Smith and Nathan Connor made the total with relative ease, despite the partnership being gifted a second chance by a dropped catch.
Connor also took a 5-wicket-haul, with his in-swingers making the Souths batting lineup look as weak as the bails, three of which broke on the day.
In the final game of the round, Brook Blue brought up their second win of the season at home against Bunnan.
They have leapfrogged their opponents on the ladder after securing a close, one wicket victory with Brad Kane starring.
He came in at number 8 and made 52 not out as the home side chased down their opponent's score of 172.
Matthew Morrison also had a large impact on the win by taking 4 wickets on the pitch at Weeraman Fields.