Di Venuto and Bevan revive Tasmania

Tasmania 6 for 229 (Di Venuto 105, Bevan 61) and 86 lead Western Australia 215 (Rogers 135, Griffith 5-80) by 100 runs
Scorecard

Michael Di Venuto, the Tasmania opener, scored 105 as his team staged a spirited comeback against Western Australia in the Pura Cup match at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. Tasmania ended the day at 229 for 6, giving them a lead of exactly 100.

Di Venuto, by far the best Tasmanian batsman in either innings, added 140 for the second-wicket with Michael Bevan, who made 61. Di Venuto took the attack to the bowlers, scoring 16 boundaries while Bevan played a more sedate knock, giving good support to his partner. Tasmania eased past their deficit with nine second-innings wickets remaining and looked set to cause a few worries in the opposition camp.

However, after Bevan's dismissal, Western Australia came right back, picking up four wickets in the space of 36 runs. Shawn Gillies, the Jamaican-born medium-pacer in his Pura Cup debut, orchestrated the collapse, accounting for Di Venuto, Daniel Marsh and Sean Clingeleffer in a four-over burst. George Bailey (38) and Brett Geeves survived until stumps.

In Western Australia's first innings Chris Rogers, who reached his 13th first-class century, played the lone hand as most of the other batsmen struggled. Rogers was eventually dismissed for 135 as the Warriors were bowled out for 215. Adam Griffith, the Tasmania opening bowler, bagged five wickets.