Victoria close in to worry Tasmania

Tasmania 7 for 249 (Paine 64, Marsh 60, Cowan 53) trail Victoria 297 (Hastings 93, Hussey 72) by 48 runs
Scorecard

Three Tasmanians collected half-centuries but they were in danger of giving Victoria a first-innings advantage at Bellerive Oval. After being dismissed early in the day for 297, the Bushrangers struck regularly and finished with the upper hand as the hosts reached 7 for 249.

Tim Paine's bright 64, Dan Marsh's 60 and 53 to Ed Cowan put Tasmania on track for two points, but they were set back late in the day when Marsh and Luke Butterworth departed to leave Brett Geeves and Jason Krejza with a tough task in the morning. There were also some difficulties early in the innings as the Tigers slipped to 4 for 88 when Cowan exited, but the middle order was able to overcome the initial problems. Paine collected seven fours and a six in his 83-ball innings while Marsh, the former captain, was more considered in his 157-ball stay.

At the start of the day John Hastings resumed on 82 and was annoyed to miss his maiden century when bowled by Butterworth on 93. He deserved to be satisfied with his effort and went on to add two wickets, as did James Pattinson and Damien Wright.