NSW’s slim hopes of reaching next week’s Sheffield Shield final were again revived by their bowling corps on Friday as a wagging tail snared them first-innings points from South Australia.

Not content with bowling the Redbacks out for just 182 on Thursday, the Blues’ bowlers were again called upon on day two after a serious collapse from their middle order led to SA grabbing the upper hand.

NSW were eventually bowled out for 219 just before tea with a lead of 37 runs following a stirring effort from their tail on a tricky wicket at the SCG.

SA pace duo Chadd Sayers (5-53) and Gary Putland, who claimed 3-66 despite playing with a slight hamstring strain, sparked a collapse of 5-27 during the middle session as the Blues slumped to be 6-95 after seemingly cruising at 1-68.

But tailenders Stephen O’Keefe (46), Gurinder Sandhu (45) and Trent Copeland (40), who combined to take seven first-innings wickets, not only lifted the Blues to claim the points but gave themselves a modest lead to set their push for an outright victory.

Only maximum points will give last-placed NSW a chance of reaching next week’s final.

South Australia are in the same position, needing an outright victory to ensure their place in the final.

The wicket and overhead conditions were so favourable to the seam bowlers that captain Johan Botha (1-35) mixed his offspin bowling with some gentle medium pace.

Putland triggered the collapse when he had opener Scott Henry (35) caught on the crease and adjudged lbw, before debutant Daniel Hughes followed him almost immediately for 26.

Nic Maddinson (10), Ben Rohrer (1) and Peter Nevill (3) all fell in quick succession as Putland and Sayers ripped through the Blues’ lineup.