NSW require just 108 runs to secure outright victory against Western Australia at tea on day three in the Sheffield Shield clash at the WACA Ground.
Despite half-centuries to Liam Davis (73) and Tom Triffitt (51), WA managed just 248 in their second innings after being skittled for 217 in their first dig.
NSW made 358 in their first innings and should encounter few problems chasing the modest victory total.
Blues paceman Trent Copeland was the chief destroyer with figures of 4-57, while Josh Hazlewood and Moises Henriques snared two wickets apiece.
Copeland started WA’s rot when he trapped opener Marcus Harris in front for 10, and the Warriors were in further strife when Shaun Marsh (3) edged spinner Steve O’Keefe to slip.
Davis put up a solid fight, and at one point cracked Doug Bollinger for a four and a six off consecutive balls.
But the rest of WA’s top order fell meekly, with Copeland dismissing both Marcus North (11) and Mitch Marsh (10) as the Warriors slumped to 4-68.
Davis and Triffitt combined for a determined 87-run stand, and Mitchell Johnson (28 off 31 balls) and Nathan Rimmington (43no off 54 balls) provided some firepower at the death.
But it wasn’t enough to set NSW a challenging victory total.
With heavy showers forecast for Friday, the Blues would be eager to knock off the victory total in the 32 overs remaining on Thursday.