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Victoria are in the box seat in the Sheffield Shield final against NSW with an imposing 375-run lead at stumps on day three.
Young gun Will Pucovski has helped Victoria to tighten their grip on the Sheffield Shield title with an important half-century in the final against NSW.
At stumps on Saturday's rain-interrupted day three in Melbourne, the hosts were 7-207 with an imposing lead of 375 runs.
Pucovski notched 51 - the second-highest score of the match behind teammate and Test incumbent Marcus Harris' first-innings century - on a tricky Junction Oval pitch.
"Batting's been pretty tough all game - Harry (Harris) has stood out. His innings looks like it could be the anomaly, hopefully," the 21-year-old Ashes aspirant said.
"Obviously, we're in a pretty strong position. From two days out, it's a case of I don't care how we do it - I just hope we win."
The visitors were left to rue two missed chances on Saturday, including a sitter in the slips when Pucovski was on seven.
Nick Larkin dropped the catch off Sean Abbott but the NSW quick had revenge of sorts when he trapped Pucovski in front.
Cameron White chipped in with 36 in what might be the off-contract 35-year-old's final appearance for Victoria.
Pucovski praised White for taking him under his wing.
"He's been a huge support on and off the field, which has been massive. From my perspective, I hope it's not his last Shield innings," he said.
White also had a life when his edge flew between first slip Trent Copeland and wicketkeeper Peter Nevill just before tea.
It has been a poor match in the field for NSW, who had shelled four catches in the first innings.
Abbott has been the pick of the bowlers for NSW with 3-75, while Harry Conway has 2-31.
Victoria began the day at 1-48 in their second innings but only 30 minutes of play was possible before lunch with the covers going on and off due to showers.
NSW on Friday were routed for 121 with Peter Siddle and James Pattinson snaring a combined eight wickets, reminding selectors of their credentials with the English Dukes ball.
Victoria posted 289 in their first innings after electing to bat first.
The hosts, who are chasing their fourth Shield title in five seasons, accumulated 1.88 first-innings bonus points to NSW's 0.9.
Bonus points will decide the result if the match ends in a draw and at least 270 overs are bowled.
