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Cartwright’s 109 and some quality seam bowling means WA are five wickets from victory against Victoria which would see them host the Shield final for the first time in 24 years
Victoria 5 for 82 (Dean 29, Paris 2-24) & 114 trail Western Australia 337 (Cartwright 109, Whiteman 63) by 141 runs
Chasing an outright victory to clinch top spot on the Sheffield Shield table ahead of next week’s decider, they were firmly in control of their final-round clash with Victoria after day two at the WACA, thanks in large part to Cartwright.
The 30-year-old former Test batsman made 109 as WA scored 337, taking a first-innings lead of 223, after they’d ripped through the Victorians for 114 on day one.
By stumps, the Vics had been reduced to 5 for 82 in their second innings – still 141 runs in arrears – after the WA quicks again broke through their top-order.
Cartwright’s seventh first-class ton included 14 fours and a six, continuing great form after he made 81 last time out against NSW.
His dismissal at the hands of Will Sutherland triggered a mini-collapse in which WA lost 3-15 and fell to 7-307, while the wheels fell off completely late as they lost their last three wickets for no runs.
Earlier, nightwatchman Matthew Kelly enjoyed his stint up the order, whacking 41 off 51 balls batting at No.4 for WA.
Sutherland and James Pattinson were Victoria’s best bowlers, each taking three wickets.
Victorian opener Will Pucovski continued his return from a concussion in his side’s second dig, but he scored only 11 runs before nicking a Joel Paris delivery to the keeper.
Travis Dean was in good touch making 29 but was bowled by Aaron Hardie, and Nic Maddinson was given lbw to Kelly for five, leaving the Vics reeling at 3-59.
Wickets in consecutive balls for Paris and Lance Morris saw them slump to 5-79, with Peter Handscomb departing after a robust 20.
Mitch Perry (0 no)and Matt Short (3 no) will resume for Victoria on day three.
Victoria have already locked up a place in the final but an outright loss would see them lose hosting rights and return to the WACA for the final on March 31. WA has not won a Sheffield Shield since 1998-99 and have not played in a final since 2014-15.
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