A FIVE-wicket haul for Daniel Sams and half centuries for Moises Henriques and Daniel Hughes wasn't enough for the NSW Blues, featuring Ulladulla United product Matthew Gilkes, in its Marsh One-Day Cup match against Victoria at the MCG on Sunday night, with the hosts winning by six runs.
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Henriques was denied a century when he fell for 98 in the 48th over, bowled by Will Sutherland, as the required run rate began to climb in the final overs.
Blues number 11 Liam Hatcher, on debut for NSW, was unable to find the winning runs and was caught in the deep on the second to last ball.
NSW fielded two debutants, with Hatcher and Jason Sangha both making their List A debuts for the Blues.
After Victoria captain Peter Handscomb won the toss and elected to bat, some disciplined NSW bowling in the later overs helped restrict Victoria's total.
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Hatcher struck first removing Sam Harper leg before wicket for one with Victoria in early trouble at 1/1.
Daniel Sams was the chief destroyer for the Blues taking five wickets while also conceding just the 46 runs from his ten overs.
Harry Conway (2/39) and Moises Henriques (2/37) were the other multiple wicket takers for the Blues.
Chasing 266 for victory - thanks to 88 from Matt Short, NSW got off to a bright start in its chase with the opening pair of Daniel Hughes and Jack Edwards scoring quickly.
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Hughes cruised to a half century but fell short of another Marsh Cup ton when he fell leg before wicket to Matt Short for 83.
Henriques continued to drive the chase for NSW, scoring freely, but was unable to guide NSW home in the final overs with Victoria taking wickets at regular intervals.
With the bat, Gilkes was run out for just four by Andrew Fekete, after facing seven deliveries.
NSW travel to Hobart to play Tasmania for its final Marsh Cup game of the season at Blundstone Arena on Wednesday.