The spring run-scoring spree of NSW captain Steve Waugh and Simon Katich continued with a hard-hitting 270-run partnership against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval.

The blistering Blues were five for 408 at stumps on day one of the Pura Cup match, thanks to the third wicket stand by Katich and Waugh on a pitch dubbed the "Bellerive belter".

An in-form Katich amassed 171 runs with 22 fours and two sixes before coming unstuck in the 73rd over.

Dabbing the ball onto the offside and racing off for a single, the left-hander was run out when left-arm quick Andrew Downton returned to Tigers captain Dan Marsh at the bowler's end.

Waugh, meanwhile, continued his devastating form, bringing up 150 with 16 fours and five sixes.

The Australian Test captain was caught at mid-on by Michael Di Venuto for 157 off a ball from Tasmanian paceman Damien Wright, who finished the day with three for 72.

Wright managed to dent the star-studded NSW top order in the opening session, taking two wickets before lunch including former Test opener Michael Slater (16).

But he was left to ponder what could have been after missing his chance to claim Katich for a paltry 18 when he dropped a catch at gully off a ball from Andrew Downton.

Waugh later told reporters he was going okay "for an old bloke", describing Katich as a "great talent." Katich was also the Blues top scorer against WA in Sydney last week with an unbeaten 182 in the first innings, followed up by a speedy 71no in the second.

Together with Waugh (117no), he helped the Blues chase down 303 in less than 50 overs for a maximum six-point haul at the SCG.

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