New South Wales 222 for 5 (Davies 79*, Konstas 57) lead Queensland 144 (Bartlett 70, Tremain 6-20) by 78 runs
After rain washed out all but 12 overs on day one, veteran quick Tremain devastated the hosts who managed a paltry 144 at Allan Border Field in their first innings.
Tremain set chaos in motion on the opening day to ensure Queensland would start at 14 for 2 on day two and he struck again early on Tuesday when Bryce Street picked out Jack Nisbet at midwicket.
His knock off 75 deliveries amounted to twice his previous first-class high-score of 32, and twice the score of the next-most prolific Queenslander, Max Bryant (33).
But Bartlett too fell victim to a rampant Tremain, who had ripped through the tail and ended Queensland’s innings by enticing the quick into hitting to Dan Hughes at midwicket.
Davies passed Konstas as NSW’s top-scorer by edging Bartlett past first slip for four and proceeding into the 60s as long shadows fell over the pitch.
NSW came into their final game of the regular season as a mathematical chance to make next week’s season final, provided they win and pick up bonus points along the way.
Bowling Queensland out in 49 overs and charging to 222 for 5 has earned them 1.22 bonus points already. But Western Australia’s clash with Victoria is nevertheless threatening their chances of reaching the decider.
