Yesterday Rixon starred as McCarthy moved through to the third round of the Downie Shield (open) with a 26-run win over St Francis Xavier College.

It followed Berg Shield (Year 9 and Under) Diocese success on Thursday, which included an unbeaten century from Rixon.

He top-scored with 55 at Scully Park yesterday as McCarthy made 176.

They were also helped along by a quick-fire 34 from Nick Foster at first drop.

Foster’s knock included six fours, and coach Dan Mitchell said it really put them in a commanding position.

Jack Rixon also chipped in with 20 and Ross Steyn 17.

McCarthy then dismissed St Francis Xavier for 150, with George Rixon nabbing 3-37, Jack Rixon 3-23 and Matt Cannon 2-24 from a spell that included four maidens.

“They had two players in the Country North Catholic side,” Mitchell said.

“They both got starts but we got them out. As soon as we got them out we knew line and length would do the job.”

The visitors did look a chance of chasing the runs with a good fourth wicket partnership but that was broken by Kane Phillpott.

It’s the first time McCarthy has made it to the third round of the competition.

Four of yesterday’s side were backing up from Berg Shield duties.

They played Moree’s St Philomena’s first up with an unbeaten 103 from George Rixon laying the foundation for a big 6-200 total.

Sparked by a brilliant 4-1 three-over spurt from Matt Tibbles, they then rolled the Moree side for just 50, for a 150-run win.

Felix Bruno also chimed in with 1-19.

That put them into the Diocese final against Gunnedah’s St Mary’s.

St Mary’s had first use of the bat and posted 4-170, with captain Sam Wilson knocking 81 to anchor the innings.

Ted Alderton was the best with the ball for McCarthy, taking 3-20.

Their chase had a couple of stumbles before a 70-run eighth wicket stand between Isaac Searant and James Dunn steered them to victory with just three balls to spare.

Dunn finished with an unbeaten top score of 39, while Searant was not out 29.

George Rixon had earlier contributed 28 and Luke Paterson 20.

McCarthy will now face a coastal

opposition.