Blues Edge Warriors

New South Wales Blues, the holders of Pura Cup, edged past the West Australian Warriors in the inaugural match of the Ford Ranger trophy at WACA. The Warriors won the toss and put the Blues in. Blues were fielding a less experienced line up this season as their established stars are on Australian duty in India. It is interesting to note that the Blues were left languishing at the bottom of the table in the last year's edition. For the Blues, Grant Lambert top scored with an unbeaten 48. The Blues scored 220 for the loss of 9 wickets in their alloted 50 overs. For the Warriors, Brett Dorey scalped 3 wickets.

Chasing 221 for victory, the star studded Warriors line up faltered at the start, losing half their side for 62. However, the Warriors skipper Marcus North stood firm on the other end and top scored with 95. B.Dorey also scored quickfire 45, which raised hopes of the Warriors victory, but when skipper North was dismissed in the last over of the innings, the issue was settled in favor of the Blues. For the Blues, Mark Cameron and Nathaan Hauritz scalped 3 wickets apiece while Nathan Bracken snared 2 wickets. The Warriors skipper North was adjudged as the Man Of The Match.

South Australia take on Victoria on 12th October in the second match of the series.