Positive signs for Blues in Coffs Harbour trial

With a mix of senior and young players making significant contributions, signs for the New South Wales state squad were positive in the season's opening trial game over the weekend at Coffs Harbour.

Seasoned state team stars Brad Haddin, Michael Bevan and Shane Lee were among the runs with the bat, and Stuart MacGill and Lee were standout performers with the ball. But, just as encouraging were the talents shown by the likes of emerging all-rounders Grant Lambert and Aaron O'Brien and young bowler Michael Goldsmith.

Along with the talented Michael Clarke (48), Haddin (100*) and Lee (63) were the leading scorers as the Shane Lee XI took the opportunity to bat first on a pitch that played well for the most part. Don Nash also played in typically lusty style, smashing an unbeaten 30 before the innings ended. With the ball, Lambert (3/38), O'Brien (3/33) and Goldsmith (2/39) all caught the eye.

In increasingly fading light, the Michael Bevan XI was led brilliantly by its captain in the response. He hit 98 and dominated the scoring, albeit that Greg Mail (20), Matthew Phelps (18) and Lambert (18*) also performed well. The leg spin of MacGill (3/42) was typically teasing, and Lee (2/22) also pinned the batsmen down consistently with his medium pace.

For the record, the Lee XI won the match by 79 runs. It scored 9/285 from its allotted overs, before the Bevan XI responded with a total of 7/206.

Another trial game featuring some of the state's leading players is planned for Maitland next weekend.