Old Blues beat Young Blues

Nov.25: The "Old Blues" defeated the "Young Blues" by five wickets in a limited-over trial match at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday. The "Young Blues" were actually the New South Wales Institute of Colts XI including five players with first-class experience, the "Old Blues" being a NSW XI including most of the leading non-international players.

The Young Blues, batting first, were dismissed for 155 in 43.3 overs. Openers Brad Haddin (35) and Brett van Diensen (19) added 67 for the first wicket, but the innings ended quickly when the last five wickets fell for seven runs. Former Western Australian left-arm spinner Jamie Stewart, making his first appearance in a NSW senior representative side, was the best of the Old Blues bowlers with 3/16 from eight overs. Mark Higgs (1/2) and Gavin Robertson (1/20) were instrumental along with Stewart in the Young Blues' collapse.

The Old Blues found themselves in early trouble, losing their first five wickets for 90 runs, captain Shane Lee being dismissed for a duck. Corey Richards (70*) and wicketkeeper Craig Glassock (29*) stayed together for an unbroken 66-run stand to seal victory with six overs to spare. Jamie Heath took 3/29 from his ten overs to be the most successful of the Young Blues' bowlers, despite giving up six of the 34 wides called during the match.