Marcus Wilson at Adelaide Oval
The Victorian Bushrangers will be looking for quick runs on Friday after a sporting declaration by the Redbacks revived their chances of an outright victory in the Sheffield Shield match at Adelaide Oval.
The contest was headed towards a draw as a Michael Klinger-led South Australian batting line-up valued its wickets but scored at 2.6 runs an over in its pursuit of Victoria's first innings of 6-473.
With the two points more than likely out of their grasp, the home side breathed life into the contest by ending their stint at the crease on 7-357 - 116 runs behind the visitors. Klinger was unbeaten on 150 when the declaration was called.
Victoria extended that lead to 167 and at stumps on day three and are currently 1-51 with Chris Rogers on 23 and Brad Hodge on 11.
Shaun Tait got the breakthrough for the home side, dismissing first innings century-maker Nick Jewell caught behind after he slashing a high and wide ball outside off stump.
Before the declaration, the day's focus had been on Klinger's innings.
Best known for his exploits in the Ford Ranger Cup, and looking for more opportunities in the longer version of the game, the 28-year-old showed great concentration and shot selection during his seven-hour stint at the crease.
He faced 350 balls and hit 18 boundaries during his innings.
The Redbacks started the day at 1-110 and were hopeful of taking the initiative away from the visitors.
But their run rate meant their chase was always going to be an uphill battle and they needed a recognised batsman to accompany Klinger along the journey.
Tom Plant batted bravely for 192 balls but was dismissed lbw by Shane Harwood, Graham Manou got the scoreboard ticking but was dismissed for 33 by debutante Jon Holland while Cullen offered some useful resistance and was unbeaten on 23.
These cameos ensured the Redbacks produced four partnerships yielding more than 48 runs but every time they started to gain the ascendancy the Vics would strike.
The Manou dismissal, adjudged leg before wicket, was Holland's first Shield wicket. The 21-year-old was thrown into the deep end and performed well during his 33 overs.
Harwood bowled fast and straight and deserved to lead the bowling figures with 2-78 of 28 overs.
But the workload was shared with Dirk Nannes, Andrew McDonald and Clint McKay also chiming in with wickets.
The second and third days have been hard fought by both teams but Nick Jewell's 164 and Brad Hodge's 104 and their 190-run partnership on day one still has the visitors in the box seat to leave Adelaide Oval with some points.
Victoria innings
Rogers c Klinger b Rofe 63
Jewell b Rofe 164
Hodge c Cleary b Rofe 104
Hussey c Klinger b Tait 8
McDonald c Borgas b O'Brien 60
Quiney not out 45
Wade c Harris b Tait
Extras: 21 (16lb, 5nb)
Total: 473 (6 wickets; 134.4 overs)
FoW: 1-139, 2-329, 3/352, 4/372, 5/452, 6/473
Bowling:
Tait 28.4 - 5 -82 - 2 (2nb)
Rofe 27 - 8- 80 - 3 (2nb)
Cleary 21 - 7 - 62 - 0
Cullen 28 - 4 - 102 - 0
O'Brien 21 - 4 - 75 - 1
Harris 9 - 1 - 36 - 0 (1nb)
South Australia innings
Harris c Hussey b McDonald 18
Plant lbw McKay 48
Klinger not out 150
Borgas b Harwood 1
Ferguson run out (Quiney) 21
O'Brien lbw Nannes 4
Manou lbw Holland 33
Cleary lbw Harwood 11
Cullen not out 23
Extras: 46 (17b, 9lb, 4w, 16nb)
Total: 357 (7 wickets; 82 overs)
FoW: 1-53, 2-134, 3-139, 4-187, 5-192, 6-256, 7-289
Bowling:
Nannes 22-7-44-1 (4nb)
McKay 27-5-77-1 (6nb)
Harwood 28-4-78-2 (4nb)
McDonald 20-8-45-1 (2b)
Holland 33-8-71-1 (4w)
Hodge 7-1-16-0
Victoria innings
Jewell c Manou b Tait 17
Rogers not out 23
Hodge not out 11
Extras: 0
Total: 51 (1 wickets; 12 overs)
FoW: 1-28
Bowling:
Tait 5-1-21-1
Rofe 3-0-18-0
Cullen 3-0-11-0
O'Brien 1-0-1-0