The NSW Blues have steadied after losing opener Nic Maddinson cheaply in the Sheffield Shield final against Western Australia at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.
After winning the toss, NSW reached lunch at 1-70, with opener Ryan Carters unbeaten on 26 and skipper Steve Smith looking in nick on 19 not out.
Maddinson (14) contributed to an opening stand of 43 runs with Carters before he played across the crease and was trapped lbw by paceman Ryan Duffield (1-31) in the 14th over.
The NSW batsmen have hardly been troubled since, especially Test star Smith, who got off the mark with a classy straight drive for four off his second ball.
More than 1000 fans have taken advantage of the free entry for the final.
Smith said his decision to bat first gave his side the best chance to control the game and he believed the Manuka Oval wicket looked a little flatter than when the two sides met at the same venue last week.
The Warriors are contesting their first Shield final in 15 years, while NSW last lifted the trophy in 2008.
The Blues secured the hosting rights last week with their three-wicket victory against WA and only need a draw in the five-day final to win the Shield.