ULLADULLA'S Matthew Gilkes made a perfect start to his 2020-21 cricket season on Saturday by smashing a double-century for UNSW.
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In his first appearance in NSW Premier Cricket this summer, the 21-year-old hit 200 from 203 balls against Western Suburbs at David Phillips Field.
The Ulladulla High School alumnus' knock, which included 10 sixes and 15 boundaries, fell just 13 runs short of the club's all-time highest score held by ex-Test opener Michael Slater since the 1999-2000 season.
"I wasn't aware I was that near to a record," Gilkes told Cricket NSW.
"It would have been good to get the record but I am really happy with 200.
"I'm just looking to make consistent scores any time I get an opportunity at whatever level."
Gilkes, who recently extended his deal with the Sydney Thunder, combined with century-maker Suffan Hassan (111) for a 288-run second-wicket partnership - which saw UNSW declare at 4/368 on day one of their round two fixture.
Western Suburbs will resume on day two at 0/4.
Elsewhere on Saturday, fellow Ulladulla United product Tom Engelbrecht, North Nowra-Cambewarra junior Kaleb Phillips and their St George side bowled out Manly-Warringah for 383 at Manly Oval, with the former finishing with 1/45 from his 11 overs.
Finally, Norths product Philip Wells and his Campbelltown-Camden side are chasing 257 for victory against Fairfield-Liverpool on day two at Raby Oval.