Queensland’s quicks were made to toil for a much-needed 188-run Sheffield Shield victory that appeared inevitable before some NSW resistance at the Gabba.
Set a 418-run victory target, a successful chase was never on the radar as the Blues sunk to 5-66 on Tuesday thanks to more disciplined pace bowling from the hosts.
But the Blues showed fight, wicketkeeper Josh Philippe contributing 80 and all-rounder Jack Edwards (53) backing up his first-innings century to keep alive hopes of a draw.
Opening pair Xavier Bartlett (2-39) and Michael Neser (3-72) would not be denied, though, the pair striking in quick succession to leave them plenty of time to mop up the tail midway through the final session.
Earlier, Sam Konstas (22) tried all of his tricks to outwit the Bulls’ new-ball pair, only to edge one of the first deliveries he faced from good mate and second-change quick Tom Straker (2-17 off 12 overs).
Straker did the early damage for the Bulls before Mark Steketee (2-41) and captain Mitchell Swepson (1-43) ran through the middle order to leave the Blues in disarray.
It was the Bulls’ second Shield win, the side keeping pace on a stacked ladder with three matches still to play.
Tasmania defeats Victoria by 20 runs
Peter Handscomb’s rearguard has fallen short as Kieran Elliott powered Tasmania home against Victoria for a thrilling 20-run Sheffield Shield victory.
Elliott followed his first innings, four-wicket haul with 6-84 in 28.1 overs on Tuesday as the hosts defied early rain and several Victorian stands to notch a crucial second victory this season.
Set 270 for victory after Jake Weatherald’s blazing day-three century, Victoria resumed on Tuesday at 2-55 and inched towards the total between morning rain delays.
Handscomb (93) had support from Sam Elliott (34) before Sam Harper (31) joined the former Test bat and put the visitors within reach.
But Elliott ended both of those partnerships and then nabbed Will Sutherland (18 off 16) to again stunt their march before the second new ball was due.
Handscomb tried to do it himself, but could only sky an attempted flick over mid-wicket, Nivethan Radhakrishnan running in from the boundary to take the catch and spark wild scenes.
The Tigers lift off the bottom of a crowded ladder while second-placed Victoria missed a chance to push clear of the pack with three matches to play.
AAP
