Top spot up for grabs in tense Shield clash

Top spot on the JLT Sheffield Shield ladder remains in the balance after a tense day two between leaders Victoria and second-placed NSW at Drummoyne Oval.

Victoria ended a rain-affected day at 7-159, for a 130 run lead over the Blues.

While both teams lined up with numerous star personnel, it was one of the lesser lights who made the biggest contribution on day two.

After conceding a 29 run deficit on the first innings, the Vics were up against it at 4-44, only for unheralded No.6 Matt Short to hit a gritty 50 for the only half century of the match.

Short was out late in the day caught off the bowling of Harry Conway, as the tall paceman returned the Blues' best figures of 3-29.

Regular run-getters Marcus Harris (29) and Nic Maddinson (33) made solid starts while wicketkeeper Seb Gotch chipped in with 18.

Only 71.2 overs were bowled in the day with bad light making for an early finish, and more rain predicted for the final two days.

NSW resumed the day at 7-97 and an unbeaten 33 not out from Peter Nevill pushed the home side to 135 all out.

Spinner Jon Holland took the bowling honours with 5-31, while Peter Siddle collected 3-35 in his return to the side.

NSW: Nick Larkin, Daniel Hughes, Kurtis Patterson, Moises Henriques, Jason Sangha, Peter Nevill (c/wk), Jack Edwards, Steve O'Keefe, Trent Copeland, Harry Conway, Greg West

Victoria: Travis Dean, Marcus Harris, Will Pucovski, Nic Maddinson, Cameron White, Matt Short, Seb Gotch (wk), James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Scott Boland, Jon Holland