Virgin South Wales 136 and 185 for six (Philippe 70*, Konstas 43, Boland 2-41) route Victory 272 and 246 (Harper 72, Rogers 59, Starc 6-81) in 197 runs
The Blues’ chase got off to a horror start as they lost 4 for 35. Boland was back at his peak with the new ball. He got Nic Maddinson caught in a no-ball before killing him again with a great delivery of serious offense from the other side of the wicket that tipped in and away.
He then caught Smith lbw with a delivery which he cut sharply from distance. Smith put his hands on his shoulders, not anticipating so much movement. Umpire Sam Nogajski thought he was hitting the stumps. It was a brave decision, but despite Smith’s clear displeasure, replays indicated that he was very likely to crash into the stumps.
Moises Henriques was caught lbw by Fergus O’Neill before Ollie Davies fell cutting power to Will Sutherland.
Konstas kept company against some skillful seam bowling. But he struggled for fluidity despite having an appearance tone in defense. The present he tried to extend almost came unstuck. In the 23rd minute, he firmly took advantage of a Boland offer that was not as complete as it seemed. A thick edge flew towards Peter Handscomb’s right at second slip but he was no longer able to reel it all the way in despite having two hands to grab it.
It seemed like the loose guy was going to push Konstas away. He began to win, moving to 43 along with Philippe, who endured the run he showed in his unbeaten 45 in the first innings.
The Blues had made 97 for five ahead of Philippe and Sean Abbott steadied the innings. The two shared a run of 59 before Abbott edged Sutherland at first slip.
Philippe made a half-century for the second time this season and appears to be in very good contact ahead of his Australia A appearance in a few weeks’ time.
Back in the generation, Harper and Rogers put together a deft 130-run partnership to put Victoria in a strong position before O’Neill and Murphy’s delayed knocks propelled the game supposedly beyond Victoria’s achievements. The Blues. Harper made 72 and took a full look before holing out at extended positive leg as a predictable plan was in place for him.
Rogers made 59, his first first-class half-century, and looked very confident before losing a tussle with Nathan Lyon. Australia’s denial. 1 Check Spinner went over the wicket towards the left-hand batsman for a moment to dehydrate him. He fell trying to paint into the turn and got caught on his severed leg.
Starc and Abbott threatened to run out the queue, but O’Neill and Murphy made 33 and 36 respectively with some strong hitting and some good luck. After all, Starc castled any of them to complete with six wickets.
