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Handscomb ton leads Vics towards final

Handscomb and Wade flourish in final session to put Victoria in strong position against Tasmania

A century from Peter Handscomb has helped Victoria to a strong position after the opening day against Tasmania and on track for the win they need to reach next week's Bupa Sheffield Shield final.

The Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers scored freely throughout the opening day to reach 5-334 at stumps on the slow Alice Springs wicket.

Handscomb (104) hit his fourth first-class century and along with wicketkeeper Mathew Wade (57 not out) scored freely throughout the final session to put on 142 for the fifth wicket and lift Victoria from 4-185.

Handscomb, however, was dismissed a few minutes prior to stumps, bowled by Andrew Fekete (2-51).

Australia's Test opener Chris Rogers (72) and No.3 Marcus Stoinis (51) led the way early on with both scoring half-centuries in a stand of 127 for the second wicket only to fall in quick succession.

David Hussey looked settled at the crease compiling 28 off 48 deliveries only to be caught off the bowling of spinner Clive Rose.

The Vics made a disastrous start with in-form opener Rob Quiney dismissed for a duck from just the third ball of the innings as Jackson Bird made the breakthrough.

A victory in Alice Springs will guarantee the second-placed Bushrangers a berth in the season decider and potentially hosting rights if they can overhaul Western Australia who are just 0.06 points ahead, with NSW in third.

Victoria
Rob Quiney, Chris Rogers, Marcus Stoinis, David Hussey, Peter Handscomb, Matthew Wade, Dan Christian, Jon Holland, Peter Siddle, Scott Boland, Fawad Ahmed, John Hastings (12th man).

Tasmania
Dom Michael, Michael Hill, Jordan Silk, Beau Webster, Alex Doolan, Ben Dunk, Tim Paine, Clive Rose, Sam Rainbird, Andrew Fekete, Jackson Bird, Evan Gulbis (12th man).