Vics fall two runs short
Victoria has finished an agonising two runs short of claiming first-innings points in their Futures League match against South Australia at Gliderol Stadium.
Chasing SA's day one total of 295, Victoria slipped to 9-245 when skipper Glenn Maxwell (87) and James Pattinson (six) were dismissed in consecutive overs but a gutsy tenth-wicket partnership between Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers Daniel Salpietro (34) and Steve Gilmour (10) almost got the Victorians across the line before Salpietro was trapped in front with first-innings points just one shot away.
Resuming the day at 1-15, Victoria lost Dandenong opener Tom Donnell early for 17 but Michael Hill (42) and nightwatchman Clive Rose (69) set about building a partnership that could put their side in the box seat.
Their partnership, which yielded 89 runs, was broken just after the lunch break when Hill was bowled by Garlick.
Victorian captain Maxwell, who was returning from a knee injury suffered in the Melbourne Renegades Big Bash League match against the Brisbane Heat on January 12, played his natural attacking game during his 90-ball innings and he and Rose quickly brought up a 50-run partnership.
Victoria appeared on track for a first innings lead when they were 3-171 but they quickly lost 3-10 and in found themselves in further trouble at 9-245 before Salpietro and Gilmour combined.
Any disappointment the Victorians were feeling after coming so close to first-innings points was quickly forgotten when three wickets from Steve Seymour (2-18) and Scott Boland (1-6) had SA reeling at 3-1.
First innings centurion James Smith (21*) ensured his side got to stumps without the loss of any more wickets.
Victorian coach Shawn Flegler said there were positives to take from the day.
"We were really impressed with the application of Clive Rose...he was unlucky to be given out LBW when he hit the ball," Flegler said.
"Hilly worked hard and Maxi scored a fluent 80 but then got out the last over before the new ball which exposed our tail.
SA will resume at 3-25, a lead of 27, and with Pattinson planned to bowl ten overs, Flegler fancies their chances of a reverse outright result.
"It is very handy opening with a Test bowler and if we bowl well in the first session we can set up a win for us."
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