Harwood troubles struggling Tigers

Victoria 1 for 111 (Quiney 55*) trail Tasmania 168 (Harwood 4-53, Siddle 3-33) by 57 runs
Scorecard

Victoria were well on the way to first-innings points at stumps on the first day after Shane Harwood led a fast-bowling demolition of Tasmania. Harwood collected 4 for 53 as the Tigers were bundled out for 168, justifying the decision by Victoria's stand-in captain David Hussey to send Tasmania in.

At the close the Bushrangers had eased to 1 for 111, trailing by 57 runs with Rob Quiney on 55 and Michael Klinger on 4. If Victoria overtake the Tigers' score it will be the sixth time from as many games this season that Tasmania have been behind on the first innings.

The competition's leading wicket-taker Gerard Denton (ankle) was missing from Victoria's line-up but Harwood and Peter Siddle proved just as dangerous. Harwood bowled Michael Di Venuto with the third ball of the innings and Siddle, who was returning from a shoulder injury, removed Michael Dighton and Travis Birt in his first spell.

Tasmania were 6 for 85 shortly after lunch when Harwood picked up Luke Butterworth and Tim Paine in one over, and only George Bailey's 40 and a late 27 from Chris Duval nudged the Tigers past the embarrassment level. Dirk Nannes took 2 for 45 and Siddle grabbed 3 for 33, meaning he has more wickets from his two games this summer than the Australian-contracted Ben Hilfenhaus has from five outings.

Hilfenhaus was tidy with 0 for 26 from 13 overs, however Quiney and Nick Jewell were reliable for Victoria, adding 100 for the first wicket. Jewell was lbw to Jason Krejza late in the day for 42 but Tasmania need a dramatic turnaround on the second day to put their title defence back on track.