Bushrangers' hopes flag as Tigers surge to lead

After a two days play at the Bellerive Oval, Victoria's dream of hosting the Pura Milk Cup final has evaporated as Tasmania have the upper hand thanks to centuries by Andrew Dykes and Shaun Young. The Tigers lead by 72 runs with five wickets and one would expect them to bat on and attempt to gain a big lead.

Early on though it was all Victoria as they had Tassie reeling at 4/37 thanks to some good seam bowling and also thanks to helpful conditions.

Dene Hills went in the days sixth over, caught at the wicket off Paul Reiffel, but it apparent following the days play that Hills was not delighted with the decision outside the off stump. Four overs later Michael Di Venuto essayed a cover drive which also went through Darren Berry and off the very next ball Jamie Cox's attempted drive found the hands of Laurie Harper at first slip to make it 3/24.

Daniel Marsh added to the collapse being caught in the gully to give comeback man David Saker his first wicket. Tasmania went into recovery mode until lunch with Dykes and Young going slowly until the break, which was taken with Tasmania at a precarious 4/60.

In the middle session, both batsman continued on their partnership in varying roles, Dykes was playing the aggressive role with Young content to drop anchor. Dykes had some fortune at 48, when he pulled to mid on, where the skipper Reiffel put down what turned out to be a vital chance.

Dykes continued on in positive style and brought up his century just before tea.

The partnership had reached 162 at tea with Dykes on 121 and Young 41, Tasmania were 4/199. After tea Dykes eventually went top edging a hook shot to Berry and Tasmania were three and a half overs from the new ball at 5/256.

Victoria's bowlers couldn't break through before the close and Tasmania, with little ease to play for except the six points and some pride will attempt to gain a big lead.