Watchful Tasmania give their bowlers a chance
The third day in Perth was a tough grind for Tasmania but half-centuries to Tim Paine and Rhett Lockyear ensured Western Australia's final-day chase would not be a formality. At stumps Tasmania had reached 9 for 283, giving them an overall lead of 187
Cricinfo staff
21-Oct-2008
Tasmania 187 and 9 for 283 (Lockyear 77, Paine 54, North 3-51, Edmondson 3-55) lead Western Australia 283 by 187 runs
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The third day in Perth was a tough grind for Tasmania but half-centuries to Tim Paine and Rhett Lockyear ensured Western Australia's final-day chase would not be a formality. At stumps Tasmania had reached 9 for 283, giving them an overall lead of 187, with Tim Macdonald on 11 and Ben Hilfenhaus on 2.
The Western Australia bowlers did their best to create opportunities but not all the chances stuck and they could yet regret not ending the Tasmania resistance sooner. Lockyear registered his maiden first-class half-century and although he eventually departed for 77, he could have been removed on 56 when Steve Magoffin put down an easy chance at fine leg.
George Bailey also had a life on 18 when Arron Crawford could not complete a return catch. Bailey went on to score 38 before becoming one of three victims for the Warriors captain Marcus North, whose part-time offspin caused the Tigers a few problems.
But importantly for Tasmania they refused to capitulate and added 224 in their 96 overs, having resumed at 1 for 59. Problems again looked likely for the visitors when they battled to 5 for 164, but a 76-run stand for the sixth wicket between Paine and Luke Butterworth proved valuable.
Paine occupied the crease for more than three hours for his 54 before he was caught behind off Ben Edmondson, who ended up with 3 for 55. Butterworth (37) was another of Edmondson's victims but despite picking up four wickets in ten overs late in the day, the Warriors could not finish off the final pair.