Di Venuto leads the way

A splendid innings from Michael Di Venuto has put Tasmania in a strong position at stumps on day one of its Pura Cup clash with New South Wales at Bellerive Oval.

The left hander, who will retire from state cricket at the end of the season, smashed 144 to lead the Tigers to 6-291 at the completion of play, with Tim Paine (25) and Jason Krejza (23) the not out batsman.

Di Venuto's century included 18 boundaries and two sixes, as he shared in a 125-run opening partnership with Dane Anderson, before being dismissed in the final session.

Blues skipper Simon Katich won the toss and sent the home side into bat, but Di Venuto and Anderson scored at will during the opening session.

Dominic Thornley (1-53 off 23 overs) made the initial breakthrough in the second session of the day when he dismissed Anderson for 28, before Travis Birt joined Di Venuto at the crease.

The duo put on a further 42 before debutant Burt Cockley (1-55 from 14 overs) picked up his maiden first-class scalp by dismissing Birt for 15.

George Bailey strode to the crease but his innings was short-lived after Nicholson ran him out with a direct hit for six.

Dan Marsh (15) and Luke Butterworth (13) both looked solid at the crease, but Mark Cameron (1-87 off 24 overs) and Beau Casson (2-37 from 15) dismissed the pair early in the final session.

The Blues are chasing maximum points in their quest to stay ahead of Victoria and keep alive their hopes of hosting the four-day final.