Blues fight on against Warriors
An unlikely eighth-wicket century partnership between Peter Nevill and Gurinder Sandhu has revived New South Wales’ hopes in their top-of-the-table Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia in Newcastle.
The Blues reached 8-334 at lunch on day two after an unusually poor display from the competition leaders on day one, when they slumped to 6-189.
Wicketkeeper Nevill, the Blues’ top run-getter this season, again proved invaluable, playing astutely on what had been a difficult pitch to reach 107 not out at lunch.
Nevill found an improbable ally in fast bowler Sandhu who hit a breezy 77 off 90 balls, including three sixes, easily surpassing his previous high of 45.
Sandhu’s innings was ended by Nathan Rimington, who had him caught by Shaun Marsh.
The early loss of Steve O’Keefe for 21 on Thursday had left the Blues reeling at 7-193 before Nevill and Sandhu combined for a potentially match-turning 116-run stand.
Teenage debutant David Moody has been unable to add to his wicket tally, but remains the pick of the bowlers with 3-56.
