South Australia 272 (Manenti 88, Lehmann 65, Neser 3-60, Bartlett 3-54) & 8 for 0 trail Queensland 290 (Peirson 90, Johnson 7-47) trail by 10 runs
South Australia survived four tricky overs late in the day to reach 8 for 0.
Peirson came to the crease with the Bulls struggling at 99 for 5, but his 150-ball 90 featuring 11 boundaries - along with contributions from Max Byrant and Michael Neser - helped revive the home side despite Johnson taking seven of the final eight wickets for the innings.
After a very slow first session, a steady flow of runs saw Queensland earn enough batting bonus points to edge into second on the table in the event both they and Victoria earn victories in this round.
South Australia must win in Brisbane to have any chance of reaching the Shield final. South Australia's attack was without Wes Agar, with the Shield's leading wicket-taker rested ahead of next week's One-Day Cup final.