NSW have batted through a tame final day with Kurtis Patterson scoring an unbeaten century to secure a draw in the Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia at the WACA Ground.
The Blues came into the final day with plenty of work to do at 1-107 trailing WA by 88 runs.
But it was hard work for the WA bowlers all day, and night, with little life in the pitch and no movement with the pink ball.
NSW lost just four wickets finishing on 5-303 when WA captain Michael Klinger conceded.
Patterson remained not out 129 with his third career century coming off 289 deliveries in 411 minutes. It was his first ton since December 2014 against Queensland.
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Trent Copeland remained not out nine after Daniel Hughes scored 54, Nic Maddinson 46 and Ryan Carters 31.
The draw leaves NSW in the race for second position on the table and a place against Victoria in next month's final.
WA have their work cut out and likely need three outright wins to be any hope.
After NSW posted 316 in the first innings, WA took control declaring 8-511 following centuries to Cameron Bancroft (144) and Marcus Harris (120).
They gave themselves four sessions to try and force a result but the pitch didn't allow it with NSW surviving the four sessions.
Patterson put on a 116-run partnership with Hughes, a 66-run stand with Maddinson and then another one of 68 with Carters to secure the draw for the Blues.
Patterson was pleased with his knock but hopes the Blues can find six points starting the next game against South Australia at Coffs Harbour.
"It certainly was a really good moment and it hasn't really sunk in as yet, but we are still focusing on making sure that we can get six points out of every game we play," Patterson said.
"It is a bit disappointing that in the last two games against a very strong West Australian team we haven't been able to do that."
WA captain Michael Klinger couldn't fault his team's performance, but the pitch was never going to make getting 20 wickets easy.
"Our efforts throughout this game were A-grade," Klinger said.
"To score 500-plus with the bat and to declare, and for our bowlers to put the efforts in they did was exceptional.
"The efforts they put in were fantastic and our fielding was superb the whole game, I don't think we put down a chance."
