RAIN, glorious rain. That would've been the thought running through the heads of Brook Blue players on Saturday, as the skies opened up and their total of just 64 became nullified.
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Their match against the Belmore Bulls was called as a draw, as conditions worsened and the pitch - which did play a significant factor in Brook's low score - became unsafe for use.
Unfortunately they still moved down the table as Bunnan defeated Rouchel, which now sees all three Muswellbrook based sides taking up the bottom three spots.
Silver Slugs put up a fight against Murrurundi, making 167 batting first, which was largely thanks to captain Jarrod Watts who made 53.
They didn't make it easy for their opponents with the ball either, taking six wickets - half of which came from Campbell Schmierer - and making them wait till the 33rd over before their score was caught.
Souths were less resistant in their loss, although only having nine players goes a fair way to explaining that.
They weren't dominated by one single player during Merriwa's batting innings, with the top score being John Maben's 33.
But the ladder-leader's team effort got them to 149, which proved to be 84 too many for Souths.
Steve Unicomb impressed, also making 33 with the bat, while skipper Joseph Chandler took 3 wickets and was again one his side's standouts.
Meanwhile in other matches, Aberdeen secured a 'captain's agreement' win over Bushrangers after rain stopped play with the former requiring just 10 to win with 6 wickets in hand.
Bunnan sprung the upset of the weekend by defeating third placed Rouchel in a truly impressive display, which showed there's still scope for the lower sides to shock those higher up.
Belltrees had the bye but remain in second spot behind Merriwa, Rouchel and the Bulls round out the top four, and are chased by Aberdeen, Bushrangers, Murrurundi and to a lesser extent Bunnan.
The next round will be played on Saturday, December 7, and there are a few intriguing fixtures in the third last round before the holiday break.
Aberdeen will host Souths, on what will actually be neutral territory as the Muswellbrook side also calls Harrison Oval home; Rouchel will travel to face the Bushrangers in a battle that could have a significant impact on the ladder; Brook Blue will look to bring up their second win of the season in what should be a close game at Weeraman fields against Bunnan; the Bulls will play host to Murrurundi and the top two will face off as Belltrees make their way west to Merriwa.
