Manenti half-century settles Redback wobble against NSW

The last-placed Redbacks went to stumps on Friday at 8-257 after being sent in to bat, with Ben Manenti (50no) and Spencer Johnson (13no) to resume on Saturday.

South Australia were in control early at 2-128 as Nathan McSweeney (53) and Thomas Kelly (54) posted fighting knocks.

But NSW hit back to limit the damage, ensuring their hunt for a spot in the Shield final remains alive.

NSW sit fourth on the ladder, and need to beat both South Australia and Queensland to have a chance of snaring a top-two berth.

Chris Tremain (2-55), Jack Edwards (2-52), Chris Green (2-61) and Jack Nisbet (2-43) all shared the bowling load for NSW on Friday.

"I think everyone bowled very well today, especially the way we started," Nisbet said.

"During the middle overs when there was a partnership, I like the way we really stuck at it.

"To have them eight down at the end of the day, I think we'll all be happy with that."

Kelly was disappointed South Australia didn't make the most of their promising start, but felt the day ended evenly.

"It's probably a pretty even day - to not get bowled out after being dobbed in," he said.

"We were definitely in front there at 2-130, so to lose a couple is disappointing. The game is definitely in the balance.

"Hopefully Benny and Spence can push on tomorrow and get us towards 300."

For 23-year-old Kelly, the day was special after he posted his maiden first-class half-century in what is his sixth appearance.

"I've been in and out (of the side) over the last few years, so it's nice to finally get a bit of a run of it, and get past that first fifty," he said.

"Hopefully it flows from there."

Australian Associated Press