Gabba Shield clash evenly poised

DAY TWO REPORT

Daniel Hughes and Moises Henriques put on a match-high half-century partnership late on day two to lift NSW to a position on strength in their low-scoring JLT Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the Gabba.

NSW boast a lead of 68 runs at the midway point of the match after reaching 2-103 at stumps.

The pair batted sweetly as the pitch finally settled following a bowler friendly opening two days in Brisbane.

Hughes ended the day on 50 not out with Henriques unbeaten on 23, with the pair having put on 50 for the third wicket.

Opener Nick Larkin was dismissed early for one, while recent Test cap Kurtis Patterson looked settled before he was caught behind for 27.

NSW earlier conceded a 35-run lead on the first innings after Queensland were dismissed for 185 in response to the Blues' 150.

Queensland limped to 7-104 after resuming at 4-67, before the tail wagged thanks to an unlikely 41 not out from No.9 Mark Steketee.

Paceman Steketee provided invaluable assistance for Bulls captain and wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson who also made 41.

Trent Copeland (3-49) and Sean Abbott (3-62) shared most of the spoils, while Jack Edwards (1-16) dismissed Peirson for his maiden first class scalp.

Defeat for Queensland against the second-placed NSW would all but end their Shield campaign with only two further rounds to play.

QLD XI: Matthew Renshaw, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Charlie Hemphrey, Sam Heazlett, Nathan McSweeney, Jimmy Peirson (c/wk), Michael Neser, Mark Steketee, Luke Feldman, Billy Stanlake

NSW XI: Nick Larkin, Daniel Hughes, Kurtis Patterson, Moises Henriques, Jason Sangha, Peter Nevill (c/wk), Jack Edwards, Steve O'Keefe, Trent Copeland, Sean Abbott, Harry Conway