Geeves helps Tigers set up a big lead

Queensland 7 for 154 (Hopes 49*, Geeves 3-38) trail Tasmania 454 (Marsh 134, Bailey 104, Butterworth 70, Paine 65, Noffke 5-79) by 300 runs
Scorecard

Brett Geeves bowled Tasmania into a winning position on the second day against Queensland as the Bulls faced the prospect of a huge first-innings deficit. Geeves collected 3 for 38 and all the Tasmania bowlers contributed as only Shane Watson and James Hopes offered any real resistance at Bellerive Oval.

It was the continuation of a dismal Pura Cup season for Queensland, who stumbled to 7 for 154 at stumps with Hopes on 49 and Chris Hartley on 4. The Bulls have not won a match this summer and are on the bottom of the competition table, and although Tasmania are second-last there appeared to be a gulf between the two sides.

Geeves collected both Queensland's openers and returned to have Ashley Noffke lbw for 6 late in the day as the Bulls closed still trailing by 300. Watson dropped down the order to No. 4 - his six innings as an opener this season had brought 28 runs - and posted 44.

Batting had not been so difficult for the Tigers, who racked up 454. Tim Paine's unbeaten 65 added to Queensland's frustration after Noffke grabbed five wickets to give them hope of a quick kill in the morning.

Daniel Marsh had resumed on 132 and only added two before he was caught off Noffke's bowling. But Paine and Chris Duval (25) added 72 for the ninth wicket after Geeves had also chipped in with 16.