Queensland lost four wickets in their pursuit of first innings points in the Sheffield Shield clash with NSW at the SCG on Sunday.
Requiring 270 to pass the Blues’ first innings total and secure the valuable two competition points, the Bulls were 4-114 at lunch after falling to some probing bowling from fringe Test paceman Trent Copeland (3-40).
Copeland struck early on the final day of the rain-affected match, trapping debutant opener Alex Kemp lbw for six.
Andrew Robinson lived dangerously, playing aggressive strokes through the offside as the Blues grassed two tough chances.
Copeland eventually got his man, with Robinson falling to a sharp catch at gully by Nic Maddinson for 34.
Copeland rounded out a fruitful morning when Maddinson took an excellent catch at point to dismiss Wade Townsend for 31.
Allrounder Steve Smith chimed in with a wicket when he had Chris Lynn (10) out to a good catch to Phil Hughes in the outfield just before lunch.
Second-placed Queensland, on 30 competition points, are desperate to secure first innings points to give them some breathing space ahead of Tasmania, who moved to 30 points by taking first innings points from South Australia in their drawn match this week.