Rain and a handy fifth-wicket partnership has come to a battling Queensland’s aid on the final day of the Sheffield Shield match with Western Australia at the Gabba.

Chasing a record 440 to win, the Bulls went to an early lunch in trouble at 4-161, still 278 runs in arrears, after a brief but heavy shower forced players from the field.

Recalled opener Greg Moller (74 not out) and wicketkeeper Chris Hartley (38 not out) will resume their 52-run rearguard stand after the break.

Queensland began the day at 2-88 but WA quick Nathan Coulter-Nile (3-47) quickly hammered home the Warriors’ advantage with two wickets in the opening half-hour of play.

Coulter-Nile delivered a brute of a short ball to Peter Forrest which had him fending to point to fall for 11.

Left-hander Nathan Reardon (6) then skied an injudicious pull shot which Marcus Harris caught smartly running back from square-leg.

The defending champion Bulls lead the competition on 22 points but last-placed Western Australia will move to 14 and resuscitate their season with an outright victory.