MACQUARIE captain Jason Green belted his third century of the 2013/14 season on Saturday as his side moved within striking distance of the Whitney Cup top three with a commanding 122-run win over Souths at No.1 Oval.
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Green made 103 as his side amassed 8-234 in their innings after winning the toss and electing to bat first.
In reply Souths could muster just 112 as Ben Page (4-34) and Dan Medway (3-28) did the bulk of the damage for the Blues.
Green was at his belligerent best as he rode his lucky early and then catapulted Macquarie into a winning position.
He received support from Medway (34), Steve Knight (28) and Wade Burrowes (25) along the way but it was his knock that stood out.
Twelve boundaries and two sixes highlighted the knock but Green conceded he rode his luck early.
"I wasn't really moving my feet that well and I'd hate to see my wagon wheel for my first 40 because I was just hacking a bit behind point," Green said.
"But it was good. We needed to win to stay in touch with Newtown and we had a few other guys chip in with bat, ball and in the field as well.
"We're playing some decent cricket at the moment. Some of our guys were talking about Newtown losing because their game was over early but I told them that meant nothing if we didn't defend the 234.
"To their credit the boys went out and bowled well and even though we didn't take all our chances we got key wickets at crucial times."
With Newtown losing to Rugby, Macquarie now trail the Tigers by less than two points in the race for third spot on the ladder.
Adding to the intrigue is the fact the sides meet each other in a two-day clash starting this Saturday.
"Every game is a big one for us now and we've got through a tough little one against Souths, now we have to focus on Newtown.
"If we lose that game we're back to square one and things are pretty tough for us.
"If we win it we'll jump over them and then our destiny will be back in our own hands from there."