After being skittled by Michael Neser, the Western Australia bowlers fought back to keep their side in the hunt
Match Report:
ScorecardWA fightback keeps final dream alive
Brilliant bowling from Queensland's Michael Neser appeared to have all-but ended Western Australia's JLT Sheffield Shield final hopes, with the Warriors all out for 138 at the WACA Ground.
But a stirring fightback that saw the Bulls reduced to 5-66 brought the home side back into the match with hopes of the outright victory they need to challenge NSW for a spot in the Shield final rekindled.
Queensland finished the first day on 5-95 after a 29-run stand between Sam Heazlett (28 not out - and the only Bull to have posted a Shield ton this season) and the impressive Neser (22no).
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Bulls captain Jimmy Peirson had won the toss and sent WA into bat on Wednesday and the Bulls rattled through the home side by the tea interval.
Neser was the chief destroyer claiming five wickets for the Bulls with the Warriors all out for just 138. Opening batsman Sam Whiteman top-scored with 38.
WA need to win the game to be a hope of playing in the Shield final while also relying on NSW losing to Tasmania. That now looks a forlorn hope.
Not what Cameron Bancroft was looking for on day one at the WACA Ground.
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The Bulls are a remote chance with a crushing win themselves and if the Blues are hammered by the Tigers.
WA were in trouble early on day one against Queensland, losing Cameron Bancroft for four and then they were 3-48 with D'Arcy Short (18) and Mitch Marsh (2) both falling to Neser as well.
But at 3-79, the Warriors were in a reasonable spot in the middle session before the wheels came off.
WA lost their last seven wickets for just 59 and it could have been worse had tail-enders Liam Guthrie (11 not out), Matt Kelly (11) and Joel Paris (8) not chipped in.
Neser was the star for the Bulls taking 5-15 from 15 overs, nine of which were maidens.
He had good support from Billy Stanlake (2-32), Mark Steketee (1-24) and the retiring Luke Feldman (1-59).
Western Australia XI: Cameron Bancroft, Sam Whiteman, Josh Inglis, Mitch Marsh, Hilton Cartwright, Josh Philippe, D'Arcy Short, Aaron Hardie, Joel Paris, Matt Kelly, Liam Guthrie
Queensland XI: Matt Renshaw, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Charlie Hemphrey, Sam Heazlett, Jimmy Peirson, Michael Neser, Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson, Luke Feldman, Billy Stanlake