Sydney rain and dogged resistance from Nathan Lyon have combined to put a dampener on Victoria’s bid for top spot on the Sheffield Shield ladder.
Second-placed Victoria had taken five wickets early on the last day of their Shield game against NSW at the SCG and were just two wickets away from an innings win.
That would have given them top spot at Tasmania’s expense, with two rounds left.
But the players had to leave the ground on Monday about noon because of the weather and they did not return.
NSW finished on 8-116, needing another 86 runs to make the visitors bat again.
Batting at No.8, Lyon thwarted Victoria with his rearguard action, scoring an unbeaten 17 from 47 balls.
Rain had also ended play early on day three at the SCG.
Tasmania now have a massive home match against Victoria from March 1, with only 2.02 points separating the two top teams.
Whoever finishes on top will host the Shield final from March 21.
NSW, who had turned their Shield campaign around with three wins from their previous four games, remain in the final hunt in fourth spot, behind WA.
Also on Monday, Tasmania drew with WA.
NSW resumed their second innings on Monday at 3-40, steadily losing wickets before the weather forced an early lunch and ultimately ended the match.
Lyon’s fellow Test squad member Scott Boland starred with 5-41 and took eight wickets for the match ahead of the New Zealand tour.
Opener Sam Konstas top-scored with 35 before he was Boland’s fifth victim.
Despite going frustratingly close to a win and top spot, there was a significant highlight out of the match for Victoria.
Will Pucovski returned to the Shield team and top-scored with 131 – his first ton in the competition since November 2020.
Frodo
Roar Rookie
Isn't weather on your list of 1001 excuses? Strange.
Frodo
Roar Rookie
Unlike those two, Puc oozes class.
jamesb
Roar Guru
Let's not forget also that in the early part of Boland's career, he was up against the likes of Siddle, Pattinson, Johnson and Harris.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Shame Bancroft and Green can't keep up.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Joel Paris.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
The writer barracks for the Vics. Has weather never intervened in a game before?
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Boland has been past now by better , or at least faster bowlers. The same as Neser certainly should have been. At least Boland is getting shield wickets , as opposed to Neser.
ColinT
Roar Rookie
Scott Boland must be the unluckiest cricketer since Brad Hodge. If performance was the only selection criteria he would have a lot more than ten test caps. It is his misfortune that his career has coincided with that of the NSW bowling cartel who have been impossible to separate except through injury. Understandably, given their success, the selectors have been reluctant to make changes and by the time any of them retire, Boland’s time will have passed.
Paul
Roar Rookie
Yep, was thrilled for Pucovski. Hoping Melbourne make the Victorian Premier finals so I can see him in action.
Linphoma
Roar Rookie
First time I've seen Lyon batting with a semblance of poise in a long time. And he looked convincing.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Great effort by Vics & Sydney weather thwarted victory, shame. Puc long innings at the crease will hopefully propel him to greater heights.