Spin twins lead Blues on day one

NSW are well poised to take a significant first-innings lead and push their claims for a berth in the Bupa Sheffield Shield final after dismissing Tasmania for just 237 at Bankstown Oval on Thursday.

The Blues' spin duo of Steve O'Keefe (3-37) and Nathan Lyon (3-70) continued their recent good form and were the chief destroyers on a slow first-day wicket in Sydney.

In reply, the Blues reached 0-4 after facing just two overs.

Jordan Silk top-scored for Tasmania with 54, sharing in an 84-run partnership with former Australia Test opener Ed Cowan (32), but Tasmania lost wickets at regular intervals throughout the day.

Despite the absence of skipper Moises Henriques - a late withdrawal with a groin injury - NSW's leading wicket-taker O'Keefe says the Blues are primed following their costly seven-wicket loss to ladder leaders Western Australia last weekend in Newcastle.

"We have a great opportunity on a good wicket to bounce back after our effort against WA," said O'Keefe.

"I thought we did well to bowl Tasmania out on what is a pretty good wicket.

"There are some hungry guys in the sheds looking to put their hand up and, if they get in, make a big score."

It could have been even worse for Tasmania but Andrew Fekete (19 not out) and Jackson Bird (20) combined for a 42-run stand for the final wicket.

With seven Tasmanian batsman reaching 20 or more, Silk lamented his side's inability to push on.

"We were in a great position there, but to give them two wickets before the (lunch) break really pulled the momentum back," he said.

"It is a bit frustrating and been the story of our season to not win those key moments."

NSW likely need a win in the penultimate round match if they are to stay in touch with frontrunners WA and Victoria and maintain their hopes of a spot in the Shield final.

NSW
Ryan Carters, Scott Henry, Kurtis Patterson, Nic Maddinson, Ben Rohrer, Peter Nevill, Sean Abbott, Steve O'Keefe, Nathan Lyon, Gurinder Sandhu, Doug Bollinger, Josh Lalor (12th man)

Tasmania
Dom Michael, Ed Cowan, Jordan Silk, Beau Webster, Alex Doolan, Ben Dunk, Tim Paine, Clive Rose, Sam Rainbird, Andrew Fekete, Jackson Bird, Evan Gulbis (12th man)