Though some of their biggest names were absent, New South Wales and Victoria still managed to produce enough drama in the space of a day to fuel their often fiery relationship on the cricket field here in Sydney today. But, while there was passion in a performance that netted the Victorians first innings points and a commanding position by stumps, there was little to love about an effort from the Blues that has already left them in massive trouble in this important Pura Cup clash.

Inspired by wonderful bowling from Mathew Inness (7/19) and defiant batting from Jon Moss (59*) and Darren Berry (49*), the Victorians were at 5/147 by the end of the match's opening day as they replied to New South Wales' miserable 109.

This has been a week that has produced off-field ructions in both states - former Test opener Michael Slater's axing from the Blues' line-up inspiring a wave of debate in Sydney, while the retirement of captain Paul Reiffel and the omission of Colin Miller and Damien Fleming has provoked similar publicity in Melbourne.

Today, the drama translated itself to the Sydney Cricket Ground, as the Blues' curious decision to bat first on an overcast morning ushered in a disastrous start.

The bowling of Inness was a telling factor as New South Wales plunged to a mark of 5/50 on a seaming pitch that offered little sympathy to poor strokeplay. The young left arm paceman and cousin of Sydney Swans recruit Barry Hall worked his way through his rivals' batting order as easily as Hall often does a pack, removing openers Greg Mail (4) and Brett van Deinsen (2) in quick succession before returning to mop up each of the last five batsmen.

"This week we haven't got our experienced players so it was up to the younger blokes to do their jobs," said Inness.

"There was just a bit more responsibility on my shoulders.

"It was the first time I have ever gotten 7-fer in any form of cricket so it was pretty exciting for me."

New South Wales' decision to omit Slater didn't inspire a turnaround in the fortunes of a recently underperforming top order. But Inness' bowling and Berry's outstanding catching behind the wickets - as well as a cruelly unlucky deflection off the fingers of bowler Ian Hewett (0/39) that resulted in the run out of Michael Clarke (5) at the non-striker's end - also contributed heavily to its demise.

Berry's catching - especially as he flung himself horizontally through the air to accept edges from both Corey Richards (18) and Graeme Rummans (11) - was exceptional.

Only Mark Higgs (40*) offered sustained resistance as wickets crashed with regularity around him.

Fast bowlers Stuart Clark (3/44) and Don Nash (2/36) teamed up to offer hope of a swift tilting of the scales back to New South Wales by removing Jason Arnberger (5), Matthew Mott (8), Brad Hodge (1), Michael Klinger (0) and new Victorian skipper Matthew Elliott (21) as the response began.

The duo's performance was made all the more meritorious by the fact that the Blues were missing Nathan Bracken - whose battle to ward off chicken pox continues - and captain Shane Lee, who is still struggling to overcome a knee injury.

But, after being joined at the potentially precarious scoreline of 5/50, Moss and Berry combined to steer the game thoroughly back Victoria's way again.

Each was watchful early: Moss content to collect his runs in singles initially and Berry taking as many as 32 deliveries to take his score beyond 1. Once they were set, though, the Blues found few ways to disrupt them.

A horror day for New South Wales captain Stuart MacGill (0/32) became even more grisly as he introduced himself to the attack in tandem with former Queensland off spinner Dale Turner (0/21). The change from pace to spin precipitated an explosion in the scoring rate, with 10 and 11 runs taken off MacGill's opening two overs respectively.

The home team quickly reverted back to pace but the attempts of both Clark and Nash to encourage further life from the pitch went unrequited.

© 2002 CricInfo Ltd