Things were looking up for last season’s grand finalists when they compiled a competitive 9-216 off their 40 overs before Mother Nature stepped in.

The result was a reduced target off 25 overs for Port City which they achieved for the loss of seven wickets with Phil McVicar (43), Charles Adnum (28) and captain Ben Marron (25) all chipping in.

While disappointed at the defeat, Macquarie president Michael Pelley felt his team had made some steps in the right direction.

“We built partnerships,” he said.

“Instead of being 2-20 or 3-30 we gave ourselves a chance at the back end of our innings and that helps when you have wickets up your sleeve.”

In his first match returning from injury, Ian Strauss was impressive at the top of the order.

“He faced Brendan Badenoch who was bowling pretty quick and got 30 or 40 so hopefully that’s a sign of things to come for us,” Pelley said.

The president admitted they could look back on the defeat as the match that turned their season around following two sub-standard performances in recent weeks.

“While we didn’t win, the effort and application was a lot better although there were a few things we didn’t do as well,” he said.

“All we can do is try and win every week and hopefully things will turn.”

Pelley, however, admitted the team batting second was advantaged in any rain-shortened match.

“A reduction in any game doesn’t help and I’ve played under five different models, but I’ve never seen one that creates a fair outcome and that includes Duckworth-Lewis at international level,” he said.

“In saying that, this one that we use currently is probably the fairest of any of them.

“It’s always hard when a match is rain-affected and sometimes you’re on the right side and sometimes you’re on the wrong side.

“We probably weren’t on the right side.”

Meanwhile, Port Macquarie Pirates continued their dream start to the season with a heartstopping three-run win over Taree United.

Pirates were bowled out for 180 in the 40^th over before they restricted United to 5-87 off 20 overs.

Tom Connolly (31) and Jared Humphreys (43) led the way with the bat before Humphreys (2-27 off five overs) took vital wickets in the run chase.

Wauchope also remained undefeated following a washout at Wingham.

The hosts were bowled out for 161 in the 38^th over before RSL raced to 1-32 in the fifth over.

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