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Shayne Hope

Elliott fires as Vics roll NSW for opening Shield win

Sam Elliott has bowled Victoria to a convincing Sheffield Shield win over NSW. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Victorian coach Chris Rogers has hailed his side's "complete" Sheffield Shield performance after a convincing 141-run win over a NSW line-up laden with international stars.

Sam Elliott claimed all four remaining wickets during the first session on day four at the MCG to wrap up the match, the son of former Test batsman Matthew finishing with 4-44.

Scott Boland (2-56), Will Sutherland (2-43) and Todd Murphy (1-55) also claimed key wickets on day three before NSW were dismissed for 241 on Wednesday.

Elliott's haul included the important scalp of NSW wicketkeeper Josh Philippe, who eventually fell for 88 after providing staunch resistance as NSW chased an improbable 383 for victory.

Victoria's first win - after a season-opening draw with Tasmania - came despite the NSW side boasting Test stars Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon.

"It's one of the better wins we've had over the last few years, and we've had some really good ones as well," Rogers said.

Josh Philippe.
Josh Philippe smashed 88 for NSW but it wasn't enough to hold off Victoria. (Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)

"We've had a real focus on understanding moments in the game and standing up under pressure, and we were tested a number of times in this game and I think we had all the answers.

"We were playing a very good side as well, so it was a bit of a complete performance from our guys and it speaks to the group and where they're at and taking their next step in their maturity."

Rogers heaped praise on off-spinner Murphy, who provided 36 valuable runs in Victoria's second innings after Sam Harper and Tom Rogers put on a vital 130-run stand.

Murphy, who is over the right shoulder injury that hampered him last season, claimed the key wicket of Test prospect Sam Konstas in the NSW second innings.

He finished with match figures of 3-71.

"What I love about Murph is his smarts," Rogers said.

"In the first innings, little things like knocking over the last two wickets in two balls doesn't seem like much but it's quite critical to the momentum of the game.

"He did it with balls that almost swung past the outside edge and bowled them.

"I'm not sure he would've been able to figure that out a couple of years ago.

"He's got that know-how and seems to understand the game, then his batting in that second innings was crucial."

Victorian quick Fergus O'Neill was named man of the match with match figures of 5-57, including four first-innings wickets.

NSW opener Konstas made 43 on day three and Sean Abbott added 33, but the visitors never looked like chasing down their victory target.

Todd Murphy
Spinner Todd Murphy picked up three wickets and scored some handy runs in Victoria's win over NSW. (Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)

The result left NSW winless from two matches, after a season-opening draw with South Australia.

The Blues, who won the toss and elected to bowl, were dismissed for 136 in their first innings and were struggling at 5-97 in their second before Phillipe stood up.

"There was a heightened level of frustration with our overall performance, particularly with the bat in the early stages against the new ball," coach Greg Shipperd said.

"That sort of set the scene for the match.

"I thought our bowlers were pretty whole-hearted across the course of the game ... but it was a disappointing result."

Starc starred with the ball, claiming six second-innings wickets to finish with 7-116 for the match.

Abbott (7-114) also shone, while Lyon claimed 2-131.

Smith was out for three and a duck in his two stints at the crease.

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