ULLADULLA'S Matthew Gilkes and his NSW Blues started their 2021 one-day campaign with a commanding 59-run victory on Monday at North Sydney Oval.
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Playing against Victoria, headlined by Nowra's Nic Maddinson, the hosts were sent in.
Despite just four from Gilkes, the Blues posted 9-318 from their 50 overs.
The star of the show for the Blues was Steve Smith, who smashed 127 from 124 deliveries - a knock which included nine boundaries and six sixes.
Player of the match Smith was well-supported by Oliver Davies (57), Pat Cummins (49) and Sean Abbott (31).
With the ball, Jon Holland (2-40), Will Sutherland (2-56), James Pattinson (2-58) and Zak Evans (2-68) all claimed two scalps for the visitors.
In reply, Victoria was all out for 259 in the 47th over - with Maddinson being dismissed for a second-ball duck.
Matt Short (67), Pattinson (57) and Marcus Harris (47) all produced solid knocks in the defeat.
With the white ball, Blues skipper Cummins claimed 3-38, while Ben Dwarshuis (2-41), Abbott (2-50) and Liam Hatcher (2-60) all chipped in with two wickets in the 59-run victory.
Wicket-keeper Gilkes finished with three catches and one run-out.
The two state sides will now lock horns in a Sheffield Shield clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting from Wednesday.