Victoria 4 for 316 (Jewell 112, Hodge 88, Mash 52) lead New South Wales 249 by 67 runs
Scorecard

Nick Jewell scored his second Pura Cup century of 2006-07 © Getty Images

Nick Jewell and Brad Hodge continued their outstanding form and gave Victoria a healthy first-innings lead against New South Wales. The pair built a 181-run second-wicket partnership and pushed past the Blues' total of 249, helping Victoria reach 4 for 316 at stumps.

Jewell's 112 was his second century in three matches, while Hodge's 88 moved him past 500 runs in the Pura Cup season and he now trails only Western Australia's Chris Rogers in 2006-07. Hodge joined Jewell at 1 for 84 after Nathan Bracken enticed an edge behind from Lloyd Mash on 52.

Jewell's innings took nearly six hours and ended in the final session when he was bowled by Bracken having hit 13 fours and one six. Hodge recorded the same boundary tally before he was caught behind off Matthew Nicholson.

Cameron White made 8 and gave the debutant fast bowler Scott Coyte his first Pura Cup wicket but David Hussey (22 not out) and Andrew McDonald (19 not out) extended the home team's lead to 67 runs. The game is a crucial one for both the Blues and the Bushrangers, who sit third and fourth on the competition table.