Hartley, Swan rescue Bulls at Gabba
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Wicketkeeper Chris Harley and paceman Chris Swan were forced to perform an afternoon rescue mission as Queensland posted 236 on day one of its opening Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania at the Gabba.
After slumping to 8 for 91 after just 24 overs of a rain-affected day at the Gabba, the Bulls looked in real danger of posting a total around 100, before a 135-run partnership between Hartley (55) and Swan (76 not out) narrowly gave Queensland opening-day honours.
At stumps the Tigers were 1 for 5 in reply, having lost Michael Dighton for a duck when he was caught at first slip off the bowling of Ashley Noffke.
Rhett Lockyear (5) and Travis Birt (0) were at the crease when the Tigers took the light late in the day.
Swan was simply sensational for the Bulls, striking his 76 runs off just 84 balls as he showed the top-order batsmen how to bat in favourable conditions for the bowlers.
The swing bowler struck 13 boundaries in his knock, while Hartley compiled a more patient innings off 99 balls with nine fours.
Tim Macdonald was the chief destroyer for Tasmania with 4 for 42, while Ben Hilfenhaus and Brett Geeves claimed two scalps apiece.
