Peirson, Neser dig in but NSW in control against Bulls

Late showers and a stonewalling sixth-wicket union have spared Queensland humiliation but they remain in a scrap for survival after day three of their Marsh Sheffield Shield clash with New South Wales.

After NSW's tail wagged all the way to 446 for a lead of 270 runs, the Bulls - knocked over for 176 in their first dig - reached 5-173 in their second innings at the new Cricket Central ground at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday when rain and bad light forced play to end an hour early.

Jimmy Peirson (51no) and Michael Neser (48no) dug their heels in for an unbroken 82-run stand to reduce the deficit to 97 runs and give their side some hope of salvaging a draw.

NSW had resumed at 7-337 and their lower order looked untroubled before Hayden Kerr (86), in sight of a maiden first-class ton, was bowled through the gate by a topspinner from Mitch Swepson (3-73), who took the last three wickets.

Chris Tremain (3) was trapped leg-before before Chris Green (50no) and No.11 Jackson Bird (34) frustrated the Bulls attack with a frenetic 59-run last-wicket partnership.

Bird had his tail up and with the second ball of Queensland's second dig dismissed first-innings topscorer Bryce Street for a duck, lbw shouldering arms.

Tremain sent Joe Burns (7), captain Usman Khawaja (7) and Jack Clayton (0) packing to reduce the Bulls to 4-59.

They slumped to 5-91 when Test hopeful Matt Renshaw's counter-punching knock ended on 55, perhaps unfortunate to be adjudged caught behind to first-innings bowling hero Jack Edwards with the ball seeming to only brush the opener's sweater.

"If I feathered one then what's what happens but unfortunately I'm not sure," Renshaw said diplomatically when asked about his dismissal.

"I felt pretty good out there ... I got a few balls in my area to score.

"We've got a bit of momentum now with these two putting on a good partnership."

Peirson and Neser will need to bat deep into day four to give the Bulls any hope of avoiding defeat.