Coming in at number five, Gilkes hit 83 from his 132 deliveries, to help the Blues reach 7/296 at Bankstown Oval on Monday.

The former Ulladulla High School student's knock was overshadowed by teammate Daniel Hughes though, who posted his sixth first class century and first of the season.

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After passing 50 for the fourth time this Shield season, Hughes capitalised on Monday posting 103 from 191 balls.

Hughes anchored the innings throughout the first two sessions before 20-year-old Gilkes entered the scene.

In just his fourth first class match, Gilkes passed 50 for the first time and showed the potential that the public had seen glimpses of during the Big Bash and One-Day Cup.

Gilkes hit three explosive sixes and nine boundaries during his knock - passing his previous best of 30.

Fast bowler Joe Mennie was the leader of the South Australian bowling attack claiming the top four batsmen and finishing with 4/82 from 24 overs.

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Seamer Chadd Sayers also did some late damage claiming 3/56.

Hughes, who celebrated his 31st birthday last week, was an integral part of three partnerships in excess of 50 with fellow opener Nick Larkin (22), number three Daniel Solway (27) and Gilkes.

The opening stand posted 52, Hughes shared a 73-run partnership with Solway, while Gilkes and the centurion added 62 for the fourth wicket.

Blues captain Peter Nevill (26) and Gilkes added a valuable 77 runs for the fifth wicket, however the four wickets lost after tea to tip the match back onto an even keel.

NSW had gone to Tea at 3/181 after earlier winning the toss and electing to bat first.

Jack Edwards (11 not out) and Nathan Lyon, yet to get off the mark, will be at the crease when play resumes on Tuesday.