Bulls steal first-innings points against NSW

BRISBANE, Oct 19 AAP - Queensland stole valuable first innings points from NSW during a hard-fought Pura Cup match at the Gabba today.

The Blues were dismissed shortly after lunch on the final day for 443 in reply to the Bulls' 5-507 declared, losing 6-76 on a hot Brisbane morning.

NSW was on track when it reached 5-405 before rookie right-armer Damien MacKenzie (3-98) took three wickets in 19 balls, removing Brad Haddin (23), Simon Katich (43) and Stuart MacGill.

Michael Kasprowicz (2-86) and Andrew Symonds (1-54) finished the Blues' gritty challenge when they removed Nathan Bracken (eight) and Doug Bollinger (three) in 32 balls after the lunch break.

Ashley Noffke (2-90) and Joe Dawes (2-54) also claimed wickets for the Bulls, who were left with more than half of the day for batting practice in their second innings.

Matthew Phelps (147), who was caught behind off Noffke today after a knock of almost nine hours, and Michael Clarke (134) were the pick of the NSW batsmen.