Tasmanian openers Ed Cowan and Steven Cazzulino continue to be a thorn in the side of their former state NSW, steering the Tigers to 0-81 at stumps on a rain-marred day two of the Sheffield Shield match at Bellerive.

Test star Cowan and partner Cazzulino have now notched an unbeaten “partnership” in consecutive knocks against the Blues that totals 353.

The pair pounded the Blues attack in the sides’ last meeting, at Manuka Oval in Canberra last December, when they amassed 0-272 in the second innings.

They barely had the chance to add to their impressive numbers on Tuesday, when less than two hours’ play was possible because of persistent showers in Hobart.

At stumps, Cowan was unbeaten on 37 and Cazzulino was 36 as the Tigers endured a frustrating chase of the Blues’ 7(dec)-341.

That task was becoming more urgent with second placed Western Australia set to take first innings points against leaders Queensland, meaning the Tigers will be in need of points when play gets underway on day three.

Neither player could really get into stride with the Blues bowlers led by miserly former Test quick Trent Copeland, whose 13 overs on day two produced six maidens and leaked just 16 runs.

Injured former NSW skipper Simon Katich did not take his place in the field on Tuesday after suffering severe bruising when he was struck on day one.