Selection puzzle clearer for Rixon

The selection puzzle became a little clearer for NSW cricket coach Steve Rixon after NSW Country romped to a 76-run one-day win over the City team on Sunday.

The match was a final trial before NSW starts its interstate limited overs campaign against Victoria on October 7 and many embraced a chance to impress in the absence of Australian regulars Steve and Mark Waugh, Michael Slater, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken and Glenn McGrath.

Mark Higgs hit 40 to dominate a 55-run fourth wicket stand with captain Shane Lee (61 not out) and help Country reach 7-251 off its 50 overs.

The 25-year-old Higgs then claimed 2-36 off seven overs of off-spin as City was dismissed for 175, despite a fighting 51 by opener Brett Van Deinsen.

City's tail was mopped up by allrounder Shawn Bradstreet, who bagged 3-3 off just four overs.

Discarded Test leg spinner Stuart MacGill also impressed with 4-59 off 10 overs for City but it wasn't enough to stop an impressive Country victory.

"I'm looking to put the pieces into the big jigsaw for further down the track," Rixon said after the match which completed a two-day camp in the Hunter Valley.

"Every time you play a game of cricket you look at different things.

"The big thing has been that the senior players have controlled the major strings in the trial games [in Coffs Harbour and Maitland] and that's a good sign.

"The rookies' time will be there but they've got a bit of work to be done before being part of the No.1 side."

Besides Lee and Higgs, Country's innings was sparked by Phil Jaques (34) and opening partner Brad Haddin (41).

Australian one-day specialist Michael Bevan was run out for 21 but Country's innings was boosted by late hitting from Albury's Dominic Thornley (27).

In reply, City was reduced to 1-11 when opener Greg Mail was run out for five and never recovered.