A gritty half-century from George Bailey lifted Tasmania to a first-innings lead late on day two against Sheffield Shield final aspirants NSW in Wollongong on Sunday.
The competition's bottom side batted with a stoicism that has been missing for much of the season to reach 6-294 at the close, 41 runs clear of NSW's 253.
Tasmania's top five all got a start but it was only Bailey that made a significant indent, with the captain ending the day unbeaten on 93 following a determined six-hour, 229-ball innings.
It was a slow-paced day's play with Tasmania scoring at just 2.7 runs an over, after recommencing at 0-40.
Tasmania's openers put on 59 before Jake Hancock went for 28, before partner Alex Doolan soon followed for 37.
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First drop Ben McDermott added 45 and at 3-209 at tea, Tasmania looked set for a handy first innings' lead.
However, NSW collected three wickets in the final session to haul themselves back into contention.
Veteran paceman Doug Bollinger (3-52) returned the best figures for the Blues who used six bowlers in an attempt to break Tasmania's stubborn resistance.
With South Australia and Queensland meeting in Adelaide, second-placed NSW will likely need to win the match to maintain their charge towards a spot in next month's final.
