Blues win easily despite Dighton century

New South Wales 5 for 540 dec beat Tasmania 133 and 242 (Dighton 101, Bailey 53, Lambert 3-42) by an innings and 165 runs
Scorecard

Michael Dighton's second century in two games was not enough for Tasmania to stave off an innings defeat within three days against New South Wales. Dighton made 101 but had little support as the Tigers spluttered to 242 and went down by an innings and 165 runs.

The spin pairing of Stuart MacGill and Nathan Hauritz cleaned up the Tasmania lower order as the last four wickets went for 12 runs. It was an appropriate end to a match completely dominated by the home side. Dighton's three-hour hundred was the only sign the Tigers might fight their way out of the massive hole they had dug themselves after they collapsed to a 407-run first-innings deficit and were forced to follow on.

The second effort began as poorly as the first with Tim Paine out for 0 in the first over, just like in the first innings. Partial resistance was offered by Travis Birt (36) and George Bailey (53) but three wickets each to MacGill, Hauritz and Grant Lambert ensured there would be no startling comeback.

Dighton, who also top-scored in the Tigers' 133 on Sunday, was the visitors' only highlight in a game that could hurt them dearly in their bid to make the Pura Cup final. Tasmania started the match two points clear at the top of the table but ended it facing strong challenges in from four other states.