The Bathurst seamer took eight wickets for the match against Tasmania at Hobart's Blundstone Arena - a fixture the Blues won by 149 runs to seal second spot on the ladder.

Copeland's haul also elevated him to ninth on the list of all-time leading wicket takers for New South Wales in first class cricket.

His tally stands at 275, moving him ahead of former Australian left-arm fast bowler Alan Davidson.

The Rugby Union Cricket Club graduate who made his NSW debut 10 years ago was pleased with the milestone, but aims to climb higher still before he calls time on his first class career.

"It's going to be one of those things where I sit back after I finish my career and look back at the names near me and behind and in front of me and be really proud no doubt," Copeland said.

"Doug Bollinger is one I hold really close to my heart and he's only 20 or 30 in front of me now, so it would be surreal to go past him."

READ ALSO: Panthers will head to Bathurst on the back of a win

READ ALSO: Hewitt's outsider spring a Gold Tiara heat upset

READ ALSO: Well-bred Island is into Honourees Stakes Final

It was Copeland's second six-wicket haul of the season which helped to put the Blues in a strong position in the must-win match against Tasmania.

The Blues made 375 in their first innings - Copeland cracking five boundaries to score 30 off 33 deliveries - but the hosts made a good start to the chase as they passed 50 without loss.

However, in the 24^th over Copeland made the breakthrough as he sent Jordan Silk on his way for 25.

Six overs later the Bathurst bowler had Charlie Wakim caught out behind for six and while Tasmania rallied slightly, Copeland and the rest of the Blues attack responded.

Copeland finished with 6-88 from 33.4 overs - of which 11 were maidens - as Tasmania was dismissed for 255.

At one stage both Copeland and Harry Conway (2-44) found themselves on hat-tricks as the hosts lost their final five wickets for just 23.

"I think it was one of our best [bowling performances] of the year, obviously there were bowling friendly conditions here in Hobart," Copeland said.

"Putting the ball in the right places for long enough we were able to stick it out and got the rewards in the end and a big lead.

"I think once you get an opening the important thing is that you capitalise and hit the next guy hard and bowl in good areas for long periods.

"I think that has been our mantra all year. Andre Adams, fantastic bowling coach, he has such great plans for us and all the boys executed perfectly."

The Blues made 5-149 declared in their second innings, then dismissed Tasmania for 120 within the first session on Saturday. Copeland took 2-31 off 15 to take his tally of victims for the season to 44.

NSW will now meet Victoria in the final - their first since 2013-14 - which starts on Thursday.