Vital clash in the balance for under-17s

Victoria won the toss and elected to bat and despite losing Zachary Elliott (2) early, the majority of the top order justified the decision by settling at the crease and making a start.

In-form opener Nick King held up an end before being dismissed for an impressive 43, while Will Pucovski (15) and Blake Thomson (16) both got to double figures but couldn’t consolidate.

Matthew Underwood kept the middle-order afloat with a well-measured 36 (including six fours) before his exit led to a quick end to the Victorian innings that saw the side finish up at 141 from 74 overs.

After the innings change, Victoria took some early wickets in what is becoming a familiar trend for our bowlers.

At one stage South Australia lost four wickets for just one run to be in deep trouble at 4-13.

Led by Patrick Page Junior, who will resume on day two on 56, the South Australians dug themselves out of an impossible hole and are now right back in the game at 6-83.

Victorian opening bowlers Cameron Brown and Jonah Koch did the early damage both picking up two wickets each, while Sam Grimwade and Xavier Crone have one apiece.

The early dismissal of Page Junior on day two will be the key to Victoria’s chances of grabbing the all-important first-innings win.