Cricket news - Copeland keeps New South Wales in the hunt for Sheffield Shield final

Tasmania vs New South Wales, Hobart

Trent Copeland picked up a crucial six-fer to bundle out Tasmania for 255 on the third day of the Sheffield Shield 2018-19 contest. The hosts had started the day on 117 for 2, but failed to capitalise on the half-centuries from Alex Doolan (72) and Ben McDermott (53) as they slipped from 145 for 3 to 232 for 7. Having picked up a lead of 120, New South Wales started well with the openers - Daniel Hughes and Nick Larkin - scoring 83 for the first wicket. Gabe Bell helped the hosts make a mini-comeback but Moises Henriques made 49 to ensure the visitors continued to be on top and end the day on 149 for 5 with an overall lead of 269.

New South Wales are placed second and if they go on to win the contest, they will seal a spot in the final against Victoria.

Brief scores: New South Wales 375 & 149/5 (Moises Henriques 49) lead Tasmania 255 (Alex Doolan 72; Trent Copeland 6-88) by 269 runs.

South Australia vs Victoria, Adelaide

Victoria need just 98 runs heading into the final day to pick up their sixth win after being set 167 by South Australia. Victoria started the day on 280 for 8 but folded for 286 with a lead of 26. Chris Tremain then hurt the hosts as he bagged a four-fer to bundle out South Australia for just 192. Brad Davis and Harry Nielsen scored 64 for the sixth wicket after a top order wobble but their dismissal meant the side fell apart.

Travis Dean and Marcus Harris scored unbeaten 69 in 20 overs before the stumps were drawn to ensure there wasn't a late fight back from South Australia.

Brief scores: South Australia 260 & 192 (Chris Tremain 4-34) lead Victoria 286 (Will Pucovski 82; Chadd Sayers 3-50) by 98 runs.

Western Australia v Queensland

Mitchell March composed a hundred in the second innings while Aaron Hardie and Joel Paris shared seven spoils between them as Western Australia crushed Queensland by 136 runs in a Sheffield Shield game in Perth. Queensland could muster just 175 in pursuit of 312.

WA, who began the day at 224 for 4, were eventually bowled out for 348. Other than Marsh, Cameron Bancroft (52), Hilton Carthwright (41) and Josh Philippe (34) also made crucial contributions. Michael Neser and Mark Steketee took seven wickets between them for Queensland.

While chasing down a substantial target, Queensland lost wickets at regular intervals and never seemed to be in the hunt. Matt Renshaw led the way with a 119-ball 73. Hardie, the medium pacer, returned impressive figures of 4 for 33. WA are placed third on the table with 36 points while Queensland take the fourth slot with 30 points.

Brief scores: Western Australia 138 (Sam Whiteman 38; Michael Neser 5-15) and 348 (Mitchell Marsh 105; Mark Steketee 4-65) beat Queensland 175 (Sam Heazlett 68, Michael Neser 42; Aaron Hardie 4-29) and 175 (Matt Renshaw 73; Aaron Hardie 4-33) by 136 runs.