Queensland chill out against NSW in Shield

CANBERRA, Oct 27 (AFP) - Queensland shook off snow and a slow pitch to be 272 for three at the close of the opening day of the Sheffield Shield cricket match against New South Wales here Tuesday.

Skipper Stuart Law was unbeaten on 77 at stumps after a chilly day punctuated by sleeting rain, even snow flakes.

Opener Jimmy Maher, who at one stage had ice forming on his batting helmet, topscored with 88 before he was brilliantly caught and bowled by Stuart Clark, dashing his hopes for a fifth first-class century.

Former Test opener Matthew Hayden made 38 and Martin Love 36.

The match was transferred to the national capital after the Sydney Cricket Ground was ruled unfit to play because of a damaged outfield.

Day 3:

NSW hopes rest on Richards to prevent humiliating defeat

CANBERRA, Oct 29 (AFP) - New South Wales' hopes of avoiding a massive = defeat against Queensland depend on Corey Richards on the final day of the Sheffield Shield cricket match here Friday.

At the close on the third day Thursday Richards was unbeaten on 61 with allrounder Graeme Rummans on 21 and the Blues at 123 for four in their second innings -- still 218 runs behind Queensland's first innings total of 498 for five declared.

Queensland bowled NSW out for 157 in their first innings earlier Thursday on a slow pitch.

But Queensland could be without one of their strike bowlers with Scott Muller in doubt with a sprained toe suffered when he landed awkwardly while bowling Wednesday.

Muller was X-rayed and had a painkilling injection before taking the field Thursday for a four-wicket spell to wrap up the NSW tail.

Day 4:

Queensland mop up outright victory over weakened NSW

CANBERRA, Oct 30 (AFP) - Queensland moved to the top of the Sheffield Shield with an outright victory over New South Wales on the final day of their cricket match here Friday.

A two-wicket burst from paceman Andy Bichel and three wickets from spinner Paul Jackson propelled the champions to victory.

Queensland won by an innings and 66 runs to go top of the standings with eight points from two games, while the Blues, without their core of Test players, are yet to claim a point after two games.