Half-centuries from Kurtis Patterson and Ryan Carters have helped NSW reach 8-262 in their crucial Sheffield Shield match against leaders Victoria in Alice Springs, where a spot in next week's final is up for grabs.
Despite NSW's modest tally, the match remains evenly poised after the opening day with run-scoring proving difficult and the Bushrangers to bat last on a spin-friendly wicket.
But it was Victorian paceman Chris Tremain who starred with the ball on Tuesday's first day collecting 4-47, including three of the Blues' top order.
The Blues were struggling at 4-69 immediately after lunch only for Patterson (82) and Carters (69) to combine for a potentially pivotal 110-run stand for the fifth wicket.
NSW's middle order continued to grind out the runs over the final session, scoring at just 2.7 an over during the course of the day.
Blues' spin pair Arjun Nair (15) and Nathan Lyon (7) remained unbeaten at the close.
The winner is guaranteed a spot in next week's Shield final with hosting rights also on the line.
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