Tigers keep brawling despite Queensland's best Hopes

Queensland 176 and 0 for 50 trail Tasmania 356 (Di Venuto 47, Bevan 115, Hopes 6-70) by 180 runs
Scorecard
Pura Cup table

Michael Bevan blasted an authoritative century to help Tasmania consolidate a solid position on the second day and keep their brave push for a spot in the final very much alive. They nearly had a second centurion in their ranks, but Daniel Marsh was left stranded on 96 not out when James Hopes knocked over the tail to scoop 6 for 70. Tasmania built on their overnight 2 for 91 to make 356, a first-innings lead of 180.

Queensland reduced the deficit through the openers Jimmy Maher and Brendan Nash, who took them to 50 without loss by the close. But this still leaves them trailing by 130 runs and, heading into day three, it's undoubtedly Tasmania who have the upperhand.

Bevan was dominant throughout, striking 16 fours en route to 115 before becoming Andy Bichel's second victim, caught hooking. But it was Hopes who stole the bowling show, with an impressive stint which helped check Tasmania's progress and give his side some hope.

Hopes, of course, is eyeing national selection and said he would keep competing with Shane Watson for a place. "I just look to keep putting pressure on him," he said, "and Andrew Symonds for that matter and if I get another go, I get another go and if I don't I'm happy playing for Queensland."

Poor Marsh, though, who came up just short of his 12th first-class century as the last four wickets fell for 18 runs. And he wasn't exactly hanging around - his 96 not out came from 165 balls.

Bevan admitted afterwards that he was relieved to finally bring up his first century of an injury-plagued season. "It is a bit of a relief," he told reporters. "Obviously I had a good season last year and it was nice to sort of pace my first hundred this year. I was pretty pleased with it."