Cowan, Copeland have NSW victory in sight

Former Tasmania opener Ed Cowan has led a rapid-fire second innings for NSW against his old side, setting them a 415-run chase for victory in Sheffield Shield.

And if the hosts had hoped for a brighter performance during their second dig, the plan hit an early snag when opener Jordan Silk (one) was sent back to the sheds in the third over by Trent Copeland.

At stumps Tassie are 1-24, needing 391 runs to win in what will be an uphill battle on the fourth and final day.

Cowan was unbeaten on 66 when the Blues declared for a second time this match at 1-128 at Blundstone Arena on Monday.

The total topped up their 5(dec)-495 to which Tasmania replied with a paltry 209.

After the hosts spent more than 100 overs scratching together their first-round total, NSW openers Cowan and Daniel Hughes (33) raced to their 50-run partnership in just 12 overs.

And despite losing Hughes, who was caught behind in a magnificent diving catch by keeper Jake Doran off a James Faulkner (1-26) delivery, NSW pressed on to set up an early declaration.

Earlier, veteran NSW paceman Trent Copeland (6-54) carved through the Tasmanian line-up.

Despite a gallant effort by Tasmania's youngest player Jake Doran (66), the home side's batting performance was dismal and ended at tea on Monday.

Tigers wicketkeeper Doran, playing against his native state, dug in making his half-century from 146 deliveries and forming a 68-run partnership with Hamish Kingston (25), but it wasn't enough after Tasmania's top-order fell cheaply on day two.

Ben Dunk (two) and skipper George Bailey (0) were both gone by the end of Tasmania's fourth over, with opener Jordan Silk (22) and Ben McDermott (25) falling in quick succession.

Australian one-day international squad member James Faulkner (six) should have offered some hope from the middle-order but was sent back to the sheds after facing just 15 balls.

Ben Dunk (14 not out) and skipper George Bailey (seven not out) will resume for the Tigers on Tuesday.

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