Tasmania have been bowled out for 260 in their first innings early on day three of the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at Bellerive.

Resuming at 5-221, the Tigers lost 5-39 on Sunday morning but will take a 55-run lead into the second innings as they desperately seek an outright victory to push for a place in the final.

Bulls paceman Alister McDermott cleaned up the tail, nabbing the last three wickets to finish with figures of 3-48.

Fellow quick Ben Cutting ended with 3-73.

Queensland opened with part-timers Chris Lynn and Ryan Broad on Sunday and the move paid dividends when Broad trapped Matt Johnston in front without adding to his overnight score of three.

Cutting removed dangerman Luke Butterworth, lbw for 17, before McDermott sent Brady Jones (15), Brendan Drew (0) and Jackson Bird (0) on their way after another morning session delayed by rain.

Ed Cowan top scored for the Tigers with 82, while Mark Cosgrove made 67.

Shield holders Tasmania need the full six points to leapfrog Victoria into third place on the ladder and put second-placed Western Australia under pressure for a place in the decider.