New South Wales have set themselves up to push for outright victory in the Sheffield Shield match against faltering table-leaders Victoria at the MCG.

The Blues took a 140-run first-innings lead on Friday morning and Victoria slumped to 4-97 by tea on the second day, still 43 runs behind.

Experienced Rob Quiney (45) was dismissed in the last over before the tea break, brilliantly stumped down the leg-side by Brad Haddin from Trent Copeland’s medium-pace, although Quiney was unhappy with the decision.

He appeared to have his back toe down behind the line when Haddin removed the bails.

Victorian captain Cameron White, unbeaten on 6, and veteran David Hussey hold the key to the home team’s hopes.

Seamer Josh Hazlewood, who has had an outstanding match, took two wickets to go with the 3-39 he claimed in Victoria’s first innings.

Resuming at 6-201 today, Copeland’s 51 helped New South Wales to 268.

White’s leg-spinners and googlies caused problems for the tail, with the Blues losing their last four wickets for 14 runs.