In round two of the Upper Hunter District Cricket Association, the Blues suffered a 99-run thumping at the hands of the Bushrangers, while Silver fared slightly better in a 62-run loss to Murrurundi.

However, the leaders of each team held strong with Peter Turnbull putting on an unbeaten 40 for the former, and Jarrod Watts compiling an impressive 53 not out for the latter.

This brings Watts to 87 runs for the season so far, confirming his status as one of the league’s best young batsman.

Brooks Blue struggled with the ball as they only managed to take six wickets as their opponent worked their way to 188. 

Joshua Cooper was the pick of the bowlers with two scalps, although Cameron Eckersley was solid with one wicket and conceded 16 less runs from the same amount of overs.

Tim Johnson and Jake Teague did the damage with the bat for the Bushrangers, scoring 62 and 41 respectively.

Joshua Adams and Troy Collison took seven wickets between them as the Muswellbrook side slumped to just 89.

Alec Duncan was best with the Kookaburra for Silver, taking 3-18 from just six overs, which in the first innings looked as if it could’ve been a game-changing spell.

But, Jeremy Taylor was the star of the day for Murrurundi.

He took six wickets, including a stunning hat-trick which put his side in the dominant position.

In other matches, Merriwa and Aberdeen both defeated their opponents, Belltrees and Belmore Bulls, by nine wickets, and Rouchel beat Bunnan by five wickets.

Next weekend will see Brooks Blue host Bunnan at Weeraman Field, while Silver is scheduled to travel to Belltrees Sports Ground to battle it out for an early top four spot.