Gilkes helps NSW build strong platform

A half-century from opener Matthew Gilkes has helped NSW build a strong lead at lunch on the third day of their Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania.

NSW advanced from their overnight 0-8 at the SCG to be 2-96, a lead of 159.

Gilkes, who has yet to score a century in 10 previous first-class outings, advanced comfortably to 56 not out, hitting five boundaries in a 102-ball knock.

Jason Sangha is unbeaten on 23.

After conceding a 63-run lead on the first innings late on day two, Tasmania began in promising fashion on Sunday.

Opener Ryan Hackney was caught by wicketkeeper Jake Doran off the bowling of former Blues spearhead Jackson Bird (1-22) for nine.

The Tigers then collected the key scalp of Kurtis Patterson with the NSW captain also caught at the wicket, this time off Sam Rainbird (1-18) for five.