NSW have made a slow and steady start to their innings as they seek to build a lead over Tasmania in Sydney and secure the win they need to stay in contention for the Sheffield Shield final.

At lunch on day two, NSW have inched to 1-66 from 33 overs, with opener Scott Henry unbeaten on 30 and Kurtis Patterson on three.

After Tasmania scored 237 on Thursday, the Blues resumed at 0-4 and put on 56 for the opening wicket, before Ryan Carters was caught by wicketkeeper Tim Paine off the bowling of spinner Clive Rose for 28.

The wicket at Bankstown Oval is offering little pace for the fast bowlers and NSW’s spin duo Steve O’Keefe (3-37) and Nathan Lyon (3-70) were the chief destroyers on day one.

NSW likely need a win in the second last match if they are to stay in touch with frontrunners Western Australia and Victoria and maintain their hopes of a spot in the Shield final.