New South Wales bowlers run through the Bulls

New South Wales 323 and 308 beat Queensland 307 and 250 (Stevens 58, Nicholson 3-56) by 74 runs
Scorecard

A superb team bowling performance led by Matthew Nicholson pushed New South Wales to a satisfying 74-run success over Queensland. Set an intimidating total of 325, the Bulls started strongly but were regularly pegged back by an attack with impressive variety.

Nicholson collected the best figures with 3 for 56 and he finished the match by removing the final obstacle of Chris Hartley, who was lbw for 37. Stuart Clark chipped in with two wickets with the second new ball to gain some confidence after returning from a thigh injury while Doug Bollinger and Beau Casson also collected a couple of dismissals.

Bollinger, the left-arm fast man, put New South Wales on track by ending the 81-run opening stand between Jimmy Maher (46) and Lachlan Stevens, the top scorer with 58. Maher and Martin Love fell in the same Bollinger over and the home side was in further trouble at 4 for 125 when Beau Casson, the left-arm wrist spinner, was on a hat-trick after removing Stevens and Brendan Nash. James Hopes narrowly avoided becoming the third victim - his edge just missed leg stump - and he combined with Clint Perren to give Queensland a chance.

However, Perren was bowled by Nicholson for 38 and Hopes was out hooking on the last ball before tea, leaving the Blues wanting four wickets in the final session. The visitors achieved their goal in the final hour and Brad Haddin, who collected 139, 47 and six catches, was Man of the Match.