NSW in driving seat

CHAMPIONS New South Wales amassed a 126-run first innings lead with two wickets in hand over Tasmania in the third day's play in the Sheffield Shield cricket final yesterday.

With two days left to play NSW have occupied the crease for 654 minutes and accumulated a score of 381 for eight off 169 overs in reply to Tasmania's 255.

At stumps, Brad McNamara, batting at number six, was 91 not out with David Freeman on three. Earlier, Michael Bevan was dismissed for 113 and Michael Haywood put together 73.