By Andrew Drummond
HOBART, Feb 7 AAP - Ben Hilfenhaus has starred with bat and ball in Tasmania's first day of play against NSW in the Sheffield Shield.
Reaching his highest first-class score for the Tigers, the former Test quick added a much-needed 52 at Bellerive Oval on Saturday, helping the home side reach a first innings total of 272.
In reply the visitors are 2-23 at stumps after suffering early casualties.
The visitors came to the middle late in the day where Ryan Carters (4) was out lbw off the bowling of Jackson Bird (1-14) before former Test paceman Hilfenhaus (1-9) accounted for Scott Henry (10), who was caught behind.
"After the start that we've got, hopefully we can make some more inroads in the morning and really be on top of this game," Hilfenhaus said.
He heaped praise on former Test batsman Ed Cowan's "fantastic" performance and hoped it would set an example for others in the team's top order.
"It's good to see him continue his form," Hilfenhaus said of Cowan.
"Hopefully he can drag a few blokes with him next innings and in coming games."
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first on a hot Hobart day, Tasmania quickly found themselves two for 10 after losing the wickets of Jordan Silk (1) and Alex Doolan (0).
A patient Cowan emerged as the steadying influence, gracefully placing numerous boundaries on his way to a half century and going to lunch unbeaten on 70.
But his dismissal - caught at gully off a Sean Abbott (3-74) delivery - soon after the break triggered a collapse for the home side.
Replacement batsman Jonathan Wells (0) was dismissed in the same over, caught at slip.
The next over saw Dominic Michael (28) heading for the sheds, caught behind off the bowling of Doug Bollinger (2-38).
It was then up to the lower order, who didn't disappoint.
Luke Butterworth added a handy 31 runs and Clive Rose (45) posted his highest first-class total.
Abbott was the pick of the NSW bowlers but was critical of his performance.
"I felt I could have bowled a little bit better," he said after play.
Abbott sees the game as evenly poised after day one and said a flattening pitch should favour run-scoring on Sunday.
Kurtis Patterson (7no) will resume for NSW alongside night-watchman Nathan Lyon (2no).
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