Katich century helps Blues to comfortable win

A classy century from Simon Katich led NSW to a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Victoria in the ING Cup cricket match at Bradman Oval today.

Katich, coming off his successful return to Test cricket last week when he made a half-century and took five wickets, opened the NSW innings and looked untroubled while making 131 from 129 balls.

After electing to bat, Victoria slumped to 4-55 but 101 from Brad Hodge, who missed a $50,000 jackpot for hitting one of the sponsors' signs by mere centimetres, pushed the Bushrangers to a respectable total of 9-244.

Katich and Dominic Thornely (33) made a swift 77-run opening stand from 17 overs to send the Blues on their way.

NSW captain Steve Waugh, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd of 5,000-plus in his first appearance at the famous little ground, hit 38 from 58 balls but Katich, who made 52 and took 6-65 for Australia against Zimbabwe at the SCG, was the standout.

His ton came from 108 balls.

Hodge was heading for a cash windfall when a six from left-arm spinner Aaron O'Brien flew straight towards the ING sign at mid-wicket. The crowd celebrated when they heard the sound of the ball hitting steel, but the ball had hit the posts supporting the sign and Hodge was denied the $50,000.

Stuart Clark (2-35) and Don Nash (3-34) were the pick of the NSW bowlers.

Stand-in wicketkeeper Nathan Pilon was razor sharp behind the stumps, taking five catches and fumbling nothing.