NSW quick Doug Bollinger returned to the domestic stage by taking a hat-trick in an striking performance, but it was the baby Redbacks who stole the one-day show in Canberra.

The 23-year-old left-armer (4-24) looked to have crushed the South Australians by bowling four of their top five batsmen to have the visitors at 4-20 at Manuka Oval.

The shaven-headed Bollinger thrived in his first match for NSW this summer to become the fourth player to take a hat-trick in the domestic limited overs competition but man of the match Nathan Adcock's (62no) plucky half century proved more pivotal in a low-scoring encounter.

The battle of the one-day cellar dwellers was restricted to 40 overs because of excess water on the playing surface following this week's heavy rain in the national capital.

South Australia's total of 167 could not be conquered thanks to the efforts of speedster Shaun Tait (4-29) and debutant Daniel Cullen (2-27).

Cullen, 20, proved critical in the wash-up and showed why he is such a highly-rated player as South Australia enjoyed the sweet taste of success after the humiliation of being bowled out for 29 by NSW just over a week ago at the SCG.

"More relief I think the boys have had a tough couple of weeks and it is nice to get a win and it just gives us a lift coming into Christmas," said SA captain Graham Manou after the 14-run victory.

"Nathan Adcock did a tremendous job with the bat and with the ball we never gave up."

Manou said Cullen was able to produce deliveries he'd not seen come from a finger spinner and there was no doubt he'd have impressed national selector David Boon who was watching from the stands.

Cullen's performance would have been particularly pleasing considering Australia's shortage of quality off-spinners.

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