New South Wales have limped to 6-144 at tea after a costly middle session against Tasmania that has seen the Blues’ Sheffield Shield final hopes suffer a significant blow at Bankstown Oval.
At one stage the Blues lost four top-order wickets for the addition of just 10 runs and they currently trail their opponents by 93 runs.
The opening pair of Ryan Carters (28) and Scott Henry (47) put on 56 for the first wicket, but it has all been downhill from there for the Blues on a slow wicket.
Jackson Bird (2-25), Andrew Fekete (2-19) and spinner Clive Rose (2-37) have shared the wickets for Tasmania.
Steve O’Keefe (16no) and season top-scorer Peter Nevill (9no) are currently at the crease. NSW likely need a win in the penultimate round 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.