Katich hits back for New South Wales

New South Wales 2 for 204 (Katich 71*) trail Western Australia 6 for 474 dec (North 87, Campbell 87) by 270 runs
Scorecard

Ryan Campbell and Marcus North, who both scored 87, gave Western Australia early control of their Pura Cup match against New South Wales. However, in reply to WA's 6 for 474 declared, NSW closed well-placed at 2 for 204 on day two with Simon Katich on 71 not out.

NSW made a good start in their first innings, and Greg Mail had a slice of luck when he was given a life on 17 after being caught low down at backward point by Chris Rogers off a Ben Edmondson no-ball. Katich then carried on the good platform, hitting 11 fours and a six, to just about finish things on even terms.

Justin Langer earlier closed his side's innings after North was caught by Nathan Bracken at third man off Stuart Clark shortly after lunch. Campbell earlier hit seven fours and four sixes in a cavalier innings, but injured his groin attempting a sweep during his pulsating knock. Campbell, the former Australian one-day wicketkeeper, was not expected to keep for the rest of the match, and team-mate Michael Hussey had the gloves on.

The Waugh twins continued a lamentable final first-class match at Perth with Mark Waugh dropping North on 32 off Stuart MacGill. It was the fourth dropped catch of the innings with Steve Waugh grassing two chances yesterday, as well as a Clark blunder with Rogers on 50.

After resuming at 3 for 278, Chris Rogers faced just two balls before Clark found a path through his defences after six hours at the crease. But Rogers's dismissal hastened the arrival of Campbell, who showed the dazzling form that has seen him play international cricket in recent seasons. He took the long handle to a NSW attack which had regularly beaten the bat on the opening day for little reward.

Matthew Nicholson, the former WA player who moved back to his home state in the off-season, had a forgettable return to Perth. Campbell smashed him for 16 runs off three balls in one over, but his innings slowed with a century in sight and he was bowled trying to sweep MacGill.

North took up the mantle as the aggressor by dominating his partnership with Kade Harvey, and he swept MacGill for six off the first ball after lunch. They put on 75 runs for the sixth wicket before North fell chasing quick runs.