Bushrangers earn innings victory

Victoria 6 for 580 dec beat New South Wales 249 and 268 (Katich 57, MacGill 56*, Lewis 4-85, McDonald 3-22) by an innings and 63 runs
Scorecard

Andrew McDonald helped bowl Victoria to victory a day after scoring his maiden first-class century against New South Wales. Despite a late explosion of runs from Stuart MacGill, the Blues were bowled out for 268 and the Bushrangers won by an innings and 63 runs.

Needing 332 to make Victoria bat again, the visitors struggled and were 8 for 191 at tea, desperately trying to avoid defeat. MacGill decided the best form of defence was attack and raced to his half-century in 29 deliveries. It was only his second fifty in 168 first-class matches and he finished with 56 not out - his new highest score.

MacGill smashed three sixes and seven fours as he dominated a 69-run last-wicket partnership with Nathan Bracken, but when Bracken holed out for 25 the resistance was over. Mick Lewis returned the best bowling figures for the home side with 4 for 85 and his first success of the day was the important scalp of Simon Katich for 57.

McDonald followed up his 150 not out with 3 for 22 as he helped cover for the loss of Shane Harwood, who did not bowl in the second innings. Harwood, who had taken six wickets in the first innings, injured his calf muscle walking down some stairs before play on the third day.

Victoria's win kept their season alive as they moved into third place on the Pura Cup table. New South Wales, who are equal with Victoria on points, are in fourth place.