A TOUGH wicket could not hold back an RSL batsman who smashed a club record on his way to a season high of 187 runs.
Patience was key for second generation player Stuart Patterson who weathered the Woorinen bowlers before finally succumbing as the day wore on.
With his efforts, his side batted out the 80 overs — the first side to do so this year — with Patterson pitching in more than half of their final total of 304 runs.
The experienced cricketer said he just felt good on the day and one thing led to another.
“It was just one of those days, I felt good going into it and when it isn’t too hot I bat better,” he said.
“The conditions were good for me. There were highs and lows for me where I had to shut down a bit, I was running out of gas … but when I had a drinks break I was able to get going again.
“I was disappointed to get out, it was almost the end of the day but everyone was really happy for me, it was good.”
The batsman started at RSL when he was just 10-years-old before going on to play A Grade.
After a 15-year hiatus, the local returned from the golden beaches of the Gold Coast in time to win the club’s first premiership in 33 years last year.
“I had a good year back, winning the grand final but this year I suppose for myself I am getting back into the groove of it all,” he said.
“My score is a fair way off a league record but it was a club record.
“The team as a whole is building for the rest of the season and coming into Christmas we are in a good spot.”
RSL will look to continue their dominance on the second day of their match with Woorinen this Saturday.
