NSW have had a win and a loss on day one of the national country championships at Toowoomba.
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On a day of two T20 clashes, the Bush Blues - who include South Tamworth captain Tom Groth and North Tamworth top-order batsman Michael Rixon - defeated South Australia by 46 runs in the first match.
Making his debut for NSW, Rixon compiled a 27-ball 30 not out as the Bush Blues finished on 3-135 after being sent into bat.
Rixon's innings included two fours and a six.
He combined with Alec Baldwin (67 not out off 39 balls) for a unconquered fourth-wicket stand of 91.
In reply, South Australia made 9-89.
Caleb Ziebell (4-13 off four overs) starred with the ball for NSW.
In the second game, the ACT beat NSW by four wickets.
After winning the toss and batting at the Captain Cook Reserve - the same venue as the Bush Blues' opening match - NSW made 5-118.
Batting a No 5 again, Rixon was run out for 12.
Ziebell top-scored with a 46-ball 56 that included three fours and two sixes.
The ACT passed the total in 19 overs - finishing on 6-119.
Groth did not bat in either match.
On the even of the championships, Rixon described his Bush Blues selection thus: "I guess it's just reward for consistency.
"I know I've been close [to selection] a few times, and last year I made it and was unavailable for selection. Yes, it's great reward for effort over a long period of time."
