Centuries to Shaun Marsh and Sam Whiteman have put WA in a commanding position at stumps on day two of their Sheffield Shield clash against Queensland at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field.

Marsh (164no) and Whiteman (120) combined for a fifth-wicket partnership of 259 runs with the Warriors declaring on 7-417 shortly before the tea break.

In reply the Bulls were 2-111 at the close of play with Peter Forest on 34 and Chris Lynn on 11, still 306 runs behind WA’s first innings total.

Resuming play at 4-225, the day belonged to Marsh and Whiteman, who were able to let loose after a cautious opening day.

“It was nice to have a partnership with young Sammy Whiteman to get us into a good position,” Marsh said.

“We had to grind hard and we got our rewards today. It was nice to get that partnership with him and it was nice to get a few (runs) as well personally.”

Queensland need an outright victory in order to maintain their slim chances of snaring a spot in the Shield final and Marsh believes the Bulls are still a chance with Forrest and Lynn out in the middle.

“They’ve got some really good players at the crease at the moment,” he said.

“Obviously ‘Lynny’ is a really dangerous player coming off 250 only a few games ago so we know it’s going to be tough.

“The pitch is starting to become really good to bat on and we know we have to bowl really well and take our chances.

“We missed a few chances today but hopefully tomorrow we can take our chances and put the ball in the right area, get a few wickets and go through them.”

Left-arm quick Andrew Tye was the pick of the bowlers for WA, ending day two with figures of 1-15 off 10 over including six maidens.