New South Wales hold on for tense draw

New South Wales clung on for a tense draw after the fast bowler Chris Tremain gave them hope of victory on a topsy-turvy final day against Tasmania in Hobart. Tremain picked up 5 for 57 in Tasmania's second innings of 245, including the last four wickets in the space of three overs, and his efforts set up a fascinating chase in which the Blues needed 171 for victory from 25 overs.

But early wickets to Ben Hilfenhaus and Evan Gulbis reduced the chances of New South Wales chasing down the target, and when the Tigers broke through into the lower order a Tasmanian victory was all of a sudden a possibility. Gulbis finished with 4 for 36 and Hilfenhaus 3 for 37, but they couldn't knock over the final two wickets needed, leaving the Blues on 8 for 123 with David Dawson on 19 and Tremain on 1.

Tremain's work with the ball was responsible for reigniting the match, for until then a tame draw looked to be on the cards. Mark Cosgrove (92) and Alex Doolan (52) had ensured Tasmania built a lead after conceding first-innings points, but it wasn't until Tremain got rid of Jason Krejza, Gulbis and Hilfenhaus in one over, and then the No.11 Adam Maher in his next over, that a result appeared possible.