ULLADULLA United's Matthew Gilkes and his NSW Blues remain undefeated at the top of the Marsh Sheffield Shield table after rain forced a draw against Victoria, featuring Nowra's Nic Maddinson, at the MCG on Monday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Showers disrupted play again on Monday, with the match eventually declared a draw with NSW on 0/129 at the scheduled tea break.
Nick Larkin followed his first innings 50 in difficult conditions with an unbeaten 68 white Dan Hughes was 46 not out.
After the Blues fought their way to 294 in the first innings, thanks to 28 from Gilkes, Victoria declared at 7/307 shortly before stumps on a rain-interrupted day three.
Related content: Woods sisters' Thunderous opportunity in T20 Indigenous Cup
During Victoria's first innings, Maddinson scored 50 from 104 balls - an innnings marking his return to the field following time away from the game to deal with mental health issues.
Steve O'Keefe was player of the match following his 5/80 on Sunday, his first five-wicket haul at the MCG.
This was a rematch of last season's Shield final, which Victoria won thanks to their quality pace attack.
However, the Vics have failed to win a match this season.
Related content: Jones' Thunder sweep Hurricanes in Indigenous T20 Cup
The Blues' last match before the mid-season Big Bash break is against second-placed Queensland at the SCG beginning on Saturday.
The Bulls have closed the gap with the Blues to eight points after beating Tasmania by 10 wickets in their recent Shield clash.
While Victoria, who have three losses and two draws to their names, next face Western Australia at the MCG, from Saturday.
