NSW maintain form after Jaques ton

New South Wales 8 for 309 (Jaques 100, Richards 62, Williams 4-57) beat Western Australia 284 (Martyn 76, Voges 59, Rogers 53, Bird 3-62) by 25 runs
Scorecard

Phil Jaques acknowledges his impressive century at the WACA © Getty Images Enlarge

Phil Jaques struck a fine century for New South Wales as they continued their good start to the ING Cup and cemented their place at the top of the table. Jaques' 100 powered NSW to a commanding total at the WACA and, despite the best efforts of Damien Martyn, Western Australia could not sustain the asking rate.

NSW were given the perfect platform for a large total through an opening stand of 122 between Craig Simmons and Jaques, whose hundred came up from 109 balls. Corey Richards provided the other substantial score of the innings with a 61-ball 62, while Brad Haddin clubbed an aggressive 43 at better than a run a ball.

Brad Williams' 4 for 57 prevented even more damage being done at the end of the innings, while Darren Wates returned commendable figures considering the total. However, Michael Clark had a day to forgot as his 10 overs went for 83.

Chris Rogers gave WA the start they needed after the early loss of Scott Meuleman while Martyn continued his impressive start to the one-day season. Martyn and Adam Voges, the promising young allrounder, carried the score to 3 for 200 and gave WA the chance to have a crack at the target.

But Matthew Nicholson came back from receiving some punishment by taking three wickets against his former team, including Martyn and Voges to put NSW back in control. Aaron Bird also chipped in with three and only a last-wicket stand of 33 made the result appear closer than it was.