A determined Tasmanian batting display and several days of wet conditions have seen the Tigers register a draw in their Sheffield Shield clash against New South Wales at the SCG.
Matthew Wade and Ben McDermott kicked on from where Beau Webster and Jake Doran left off on day four, with the Tigers reaching 4-489 in response to the Blues’ 8d-449 before an early finish was called with two hours of scheduled play remaining.
After several rain-affected days of play Tasmania had little trouble defying a NSW bowling attack on the final day, with the Blues’ faint hope of a victory becoming increasingly unlikely as the day progressed.
WATCH: NSW v Tasmania Day Four Highlights
Beau Webster and Jake Doran had guided Tasmania to 2-240 at stumps on day three to put the Tigers in a strong position to play for a draw.
Webster, who posted his fourth first-class century before the end of day three, continued defying the Blues before being dismissed for a 354-ball knock of 136 on the eve of lunch.
Doran, however, fell agonisingly short of his second first-class ton, falling to Steve O’Keefe for 97 early in the day.
The weather improved as the day continued, with Matthew Wade and Ben McDermott making the most of the improved conditions to post an equally defiant and entertaining 152-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Matthew Wade’s golden form continued, making his second century as a Tiger, and second in as many matches, working his way to an unbeaten 108 off 166 balls.
WATCH: Wade notches a second ton in as many matches
McDermott provided more than adequate support at the other end, making an impressive half-century, his fourth in first-class cricket, to finish unbeaten on 75 when play was called off for a draw.
WATCH: McDermott's unbeaten 75
Tasmania batted out 158 overs for the innings after Moises Henriques (131 not out), Nick Larkin (85) Kurtis Patterson (71) and Ed Cowan (68) took the Blues to 8-449 before the declaration was called.
Tom Rogers was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 4-88 while Simon Milenko, Sam Rainbird, Andrew Fekete and debutant Jarrod Freeman all took a wicket apiece.
Tasmania now sit in third position on the Sheffield Shield Points Table with two matches remaining, with the side’s next assignment the bottom-placed South Australian Redbacks at Blundstone Arena from Monday March 5th.