Tasmania on verge of strong lead

A collective performance from Tasmania's bowlers - four of them took two wickets each - consolidated the advantage built by their batsman and pushed New South Wales to the verge of conceding a huge first-innings lead in Canberra.

The Blues ended the second day on 8 for 146, in danger of being asked to follow on. Nic Maddinson, who made 30, was the only batsman in the top five to make it past single figures. The Blues had been reduced to 7 for 103 at one stage before wicketkeeper Peter Nevill, who remained not out on 47, added 43 runs with Josh Lalor, who contributed 24 before he was bowled by Jackson Bird off the final ball of the day at the Manuka Oval.

Left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty and left-arm fast bowler John Faulkner bowled miserly and successful spells for Tasmania. Doherty finished with 24-8-42-2, while Faulkner had figures of 10-7-12-2.

The day had begun with Tasmania on 6 for 267 and, after they lost Matt Johnston early to Lalor, the wicketkeeper Tom Triffitt scored 69, adding 60 runs with Doherty, who made 20. Triffitt also added 29 with the No. 10 Ben Hilfenhaus, who contributed 31 to lead his team to 392.

Lalor was the best of the Blues bowlers, taking 5 for 95, his maiden five-for in his second first-class game. Trent Copeland went wicketless in his 21 overs.