QUEENSLAND is in the box seat to defeat New South Wales in their Sheffield Shield clash at The Gabba after a dominant batting display on day three. Matthew Renshaw posted his 23rd First Class ton, while first innings centurion Jack Clayton retired hurt on 76 to in a definitive 143-run partnership.

>> Day Two: SACAs stay top after WACA wicket fest

Renshaw remained unbeaten by the time Queensland skipper Mitch Swepson declared at 3-289, with his side 417 runs ahead. Clayton, who was hit in his protector twice, resorted to the dugout before tea after pulling up lame at the end of a tight run.

As Renshaw carried on, Jimmy Peirson joined in on the fun with a quickfire 44* off 40 deliveries to push the lead over 400. After their exploits, the innings break left 45 minutes for the Blues to survive until stumps, but not before Michael Neser struck to skittle Nic Maddinson (0), who shouldered arms.

Test sensation Sam Konstas (9*) and nightwatchman Ross Pawson (1*) will resume play on the final day, with New South Wales needing an unlikely 407 runs for victory. Earlier in the day, wickets tumbled quickly as the Blues were bowled out for 259 in their first dig.

The Bulls quicks made quick work of the last three wickets, taking them for a cost of just 22 runs in 11 overs. It left a 128-run deficit for the visitors, which was quickly built upon. A win could see Queensland leapfrog their rivals into fourth spot, with Western Australia also boasting two wins in third.

Elsewhere, Tasmania set Victoria 270 runs to win at Bellerive Oval after entering the day 21 runs ahead. Jake Weatherald (155) proved a thorn in the Vics’ side with his 212-ball stay, while youngster Raf MacMillan (47 off 42) piled on the hurt before becoming debutant Harry Dixon’s maiden First Class wicket.

The hosts ended up all out for 291, with Fergus O’Neill and Peter Siddle both claiming 3-63. Victoria made it to stumps at 2-55 after Gabe Bell struck with a pair of LBWs. Jonathan Merlo (16*) and Sam Elliott (6*) will resume play on day four, needing 215 runs for victory.

SCORECARDS

QUEENSLAND vs. NEW SOUTH WALES @ THE GABBA

1st Innings: Queensland 10-387 (107.3)
Jack Clayton 134 (258), Lachlan Hearne 63 (126), Michael Neser 43 (69)
Liam Hatcher 4-92 (20.3), Jack Edwards 2-68 (21), Hanno Jacobs 2-75 (17)

2nd Innings: New South Wales 10-259 (81.4)
Jack Edwards 108 (148), Matthew Gilkes 66 (138), Hanno Jacobs 20 (60)
Xavier Bartlett 4-54 (17.4), Michael Neser 3-32 (15), Mitch Swepson 1-46 (17)

New South Wales trailed by 128 runs.

3rd Innings: Queensland 3d-289 (63.4)
Matthew Renshaw 125* (174), Jack Clayton 76 (131), Jimmy Peirson 44* (40)
Ross Pawson 1-52 (13), Hanno Jacobs 1-71 (10.4), Chris Green 1-85 (22)

Queensland led by 417 runs.

4th Innings: New South Wales 1-11 (8)
Sam Konstas 9* (19), Ross Pawson 1* (26)
Michael Neser 1-0 (3)

New South Wales needs 407 runs to win.

TASMANIA vs. VICTORIA @ BELLERIVE OVAL

1st Innings: Tasmania 10-236 (86.1)
Aidan O’Connor 53 (92), Tim Ward 45 (95), Jake Weatherald 41 (85)
Peter Siddle 2-43 (21.1), Sam Elliott 2-51 (19), Fergus O’Neill 2-56 (23)

2nd Innings: Victoria 10-258 (80)
Harry Dixon 66 (73), Tom Rogers 33 (61), Sam Elliott 30* (61)
Kieran Elliott 4-55 (17), Gabe Bell 3-33 (23), Raf MacMillan 1-32 (8)

Victoria led by 22 runs.

3rd Innings: Tasmania 10-291 (82.2)
Jake Weatherald 155 (212), Raf MacMillan 47 (42), Jake Doran 33 (63)
Fergus O’Neill 3-63 (19.2), Peter Siddle 3-63 (18), Will Sutherland 2-63 (21)

Tasmania led by 269 runs.

4th Innings: Victoria 2-55 (25)
Campbell Kellaway 31 (79), Jonathan Merlo 16* (55), Sam Elliott 6* (13)
Gabe Bell 2-22 (10)

Victoria needs 215 runs to win.