Steve Smith in action for the NSW SpeedBlitz Blues
Ryan Pierse
2011 Getty Images

NSW SpeedBlitz Blues players Shane Watson and Steve Smith went head-to-head in the Indian Premier League over the weekend when the Rajasthan Royals clashed with the Pune Warriors.

Rajasthan batted first to post 4-170, thanks to 61 from 47 balls by opener Ajinkya Rahane and 58 from 31 by Watson. Coming in at number three, Watson struck six fours and four sixes in his brutal innings.

In the field, Watson found himself in the action early, opening the bowling and taking a catch to remove Jesse Ryder early. He then returned to the bowling crease late in the innings to claim two wickets, finishing with 2-19 from three overs.

After being reduced to 4-26, Pune were never in the hunt although the in-form Steve Smith provided a bright moment with 37 from 31 deliveries, including five boundaries.

Scorecard: http://livescores.cricket.com.au/scoreboard_2710_60.html

In the English County Championship, former NSW SpeedBlitz Blues batsman Phil Jaques smashed 160 in a Division Two Championship match to help Yorkshire to victory over Gloucestershire.

The match was heavily affected by rain, with Yorkshire forfeiting their first innings after Gloucestershire finished their first dig at 9-351 on Day Three. Set 400 to win, Jaques hit 160, sharing in a 203 run fourth wicket partnership with Gary Ballance (121). Yorkshire took 107.4 overs to reach the victory target, winning by four wickets.

Scorecard: http://www.espncricinfo.com/county-cricket-2012/engine/match/542572.html

Already buoyed by this win, Yorkshire will be further boosted by the imminent return of Mitchell Starc. The NSW and Australian quick is heading back to the United Kingdom after resolving his visa issues during the week.

In other results, the match between Hampshire and Derbyshire finished in a draw with Simon Katich missing out on runs for Hampshire.

No play was possible on the first two days of the match. When play finally got underway on Day Three, Hampshire posted 8 declared for 352. Derbyshire were 9-403 when stumps were called on the fourth and final day.

Scorecard: http://www.espncricinfo.com/county-cricket-2012/engine/match/542573.html