SYDNEY, Dec 20: A ruthless Andrew Symonds on Saturday slammed an exhillarating century as Queensland wrested control of the Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia at the Gabba Ground in Brisbane.

The Australian one-day all-rounder blasted 102 from 124 balls to propel his side to first-innings points on the second day of the four-day match.

Skipper Jimmy Maher (97) and lower-order pair Ashley Noffke (81 not out) and Chris Hartley (79 not out) provided crucial support acts as Queensland finished at 440 for six wickets in reply to South Australia’s 204.

Debutant Hartley and Noffke figured in an unbeaten 161-run seventh-wicket stand to set up a potentially match-winning lead already standing at 236.

In Sydney, one-day international Michael Bevan (110 not out) and Test batsman Simon Katich (53) led the way as New South Wales reached 255 for four wickets, only 67 runs runs behind Tasmania’s first innings 322.

Former Test star Mark Waugh (48) and fast bowler Dominic Thornely (43 not out) made useful contributions.

In Perth, former Test batsman Matthew Elliott clubbed a thrilling 125-ball 102 not out for Victoria as they claimed first innings points against Western Australia on the opening day of the game at the WACA ground.

Jonathan Moss (54 not out) was also in fine fettle as Victoria reached 168 for one wicket after ousting the home team for a paltry first innings 151.

For Western Ausatralia, only Scott Meuleman (53) and Marcus North (31) displayed any form withy the bat.

Summarized scores

SYDNEY (day two):