MELBOURNE, Nov 22: Tasmania jumped to the top of the Sheffield Shield ladder on Saturday when they crushed Queensland outright by 174 runs on the third day of a scheduled four-day domestic first class cricket match at the ‘Gabba Ground in Brisbane.

Needing 343 for victory in their second innings, Queensland collapsed again and were all out for 168 after being skittled for 104 in their first knock.

Pace trio Gerard Denton (4-60), Damien Wright (3-33) and Andrew Downton (3-47) wrecked the Queensland batting as Tasmania wrapped up their second outright victory in eight days.

The islanders, who have never won the domestic four-day competiton, surged to the lead with 14 points from three games.

They lead South Australia on 12 and New South Wales and Victoria with eight each.

In Melbourne, Victoria were unlucky to be denied a possible outright win over Western Australia when heavy rain forced an early finish on the final day.

Seeking 184 to win, Victoria were a comfortable 35 for one wicket when the match was called off.

Summarized scores:

Melbourne (day four):

Western Australia 273 (C. Rogers 103, M. Goodwin 70, M. Hussey 23, J. Langer 21; A. McDonald 4-35, A. Wise 3-56) and 265 (J. Langer 96, M. Hussey 57, C. Rogers 52; M. Lewis 5-85, M. Innes 3-23)

Victoria 355 for nine wickets declared (B. Hodge 100, M. Elliott 71, C. White 58 not out, J. Moss 52; J. Taylor 4-70, P. Wilson 2-60, B. Casson 2-68) and 35 for one wicket. Match drawn. Points: Victoria two, Western Australia nil.

Brisbane (day three):

Tasmania 233 (M. Di Venuto 59, M. Dighton 42, J. Cox 40, S. Mason 27; D. MacKenzie 4-43, S. Jurgensen 3-60, J. Dawes 2-33) and 213 (D. Wright 60, M. Di Venuto 44, A. Griffith 21; S. Jorgensen 4-52, D. MacKenzie 3-44)

Queenslandd 104 (M. Love 28, W. Seccombe 24; D. Wright 4-30, G. Denton 2-19, A. Downton 2-24, A. Griffith 2-26) and 168 (S. Farrell 49, D. MacKenzie 30, M. Love 21; G. Denton 4-60, D. Wright 3-33, A. Downton 3-47). Tasmania won by 174 runs. Points: Tasmania six, Queensland nil.—AFP