Victory 195 for 7 (Harper 68*, Manenti 4-66) South Australia 307 (Hunt 62, Scott 53, Siddle 3-57) by 112 runs
Manenti had Lloyd Pope catch Jonathan Merlo at backward square leg, before bowling Ashley Chandrasinghe and then taking a sharp catch at second slip to dismiss Campbell Kellaway. Manenti dismissed Peter Handscomb, making a catch for Henry Hunt at short leg, and added Tom Rogers to his list, missing a throw to Pope at backward point.
Victoria captain Will Sutherland took a catch for wicketkeeper Alex Carey, as did Mitchell Perry, and Liam Scott immediately struck with the second new ball.
Harper, who looked to have decent contact, remained the key scalp for SA.
In the corresponding match last summer, Harper hit nine sixes in a stunning 109-ball 151 to lead Victoria to a thrilling, low-scoring victory.
“We still have to get these last three wickets,” Manenti said after Saturday’s stumps. “Harps is batting really well and Sids has been around for years – obviously he can contribute too.
“Get these last three, then work with the bat and give ourselves a good chance tomorrow afternoon or early on day four to give ourselves a chance and put ourselves in position to win.”
After resuming play at 286 for 9 overnight, SA’s stubborn tail thwarted the Victorian attack on the second morning before their innings concluded when number 11 Pope, who scored a personal-best 17, edged Cameron McClure on Harper.
Former Evergreen Test Quick Siddle, who turns 40 this month, was the pick of the Victoria bowlers, capturing 3 for 57.
