Milestone man Kurtis Patterson's unbeaten century has put NSW in a commanding position after the hosts set South Australia a massive victory target in their Sheffield Shield clash at the SCG.
Patterson, in his 100th Shield appearance, notched a career-best first-class score of 173 no in a NSW total of 8-440 (dec) on Saturday, leaving the visitors needing 446 to win.
In response, SA reached 1-61 by stumps after losing Henry Hunt for 12, out to a brilliant catch by Charlie Stobo at third slip off Jack Edwards (1-11).
Fellow opener Mackenzie Harvey (21) and captain Nathan McSweeney (16) are unbeaten and will resume the run chase on the final day on Sunday.
NSW No.3 Patterson, who was out for just six in the first innings, survived 302 deliveries in the second dig, striking 14 boundaries and a six in his match-defining knock.
It was the highest individual score of the Shield season to date.
Edwards (61) and tailenders Tanveer Sangha (53) and Liam Hatcher (36 no) all provided valuable support.
Patterson put on triple-figure partnerships with Edwards (106) and Sangha (130) for the fifth and eighth wickets respectively.
Nathan McAndrew (3-68) and Brendan Doggett (3-75) were SA's best bowlers but were unable to prevent the match being taken away from their side.
A win for fourth-placed NSW would see them leapfrog SA, and possibly Queensland, in a tight race for a spot in the Shield final.
