Former Orange quick Chris Tremain played a crucial role in the win but it was a fired-up James Pattinson who powered Victoria to their fourth JLT Sheffield Shield title in the past five seasons, boosting his chances of an Ashes recall in the process.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While Tremain snared match figures 3-59 in the 177-run win to complete another stellar season, Pattinson terrorised NSW on the final day to claim 4-41 and finish with seven grand final wickets of his own.
Set 338 to win, NSW lost their last eight wickets for just 48 runs as they were rolled for 210 at St Kilda's Junction Oval.
RELATED:
Pattinson tore through the visitors' middle order under cloudy skies in a big reminder to national selectors of his credentials with the English Dukes ball.
The 28-year-old, having returned to Shield cricket this season after back surgery two years ago, looms as a possible weapon for Australia in England, amid ongoing injury concerns over Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Jhye Richardson.
In seven Shield matches since his November comeback to longer-form cricket, Pattinson has taken 26 wickets at an average of 18.92. His last match before that was the 2016-17 final. Pattinson played his last of 17 Tests in February 2016.
"It's been a journey to get to this position and, at times, I thought I'd never be back," Pattinson said.
"All the hard work and all the doubts, this is what makes it worthwhile."
Victoria's win was set up by Marcus Harris, who compiled 141 on the opening day - his third century in a Shield final.
The Test opener picked up man-of-the-match honours and was one of only three players to pass 50 in the decider.
The 177-run win provided Victoria's 32nd Shield title, still some margin behind NSW with 46.
"It's special to win here in front of our family and friends," said Victorian skipper Travis Dean, who praised Pattinson's aggression.
"Every time he came back, something happened. He was definitely the go-to man."
NSW had a sniff on Sunday thanks to a counter-attacking 74 from Test batsman Kurtis Patterson, who shared a 120-run stand with Daniel Hughes.
But Peter Siddle made the breakthrough, nabbing Patterson caught-and-bowled.
Pattinson followed up with the wicket of Daniel Hughes (41), who edged to a juggling Cameron White at third slip.
After a brief rain delay, Pattinson removed Moises Henriques (23) and Jack Edwards (six) with searing deliveries.
"It was good bowling but you've got to get through those tough periods and, unfortunately, we couldn't in this game," NSW skipper Peter Nevill said.
NSW seamer Trent Copeland, from Bathurst, finished with eight wickets for the match to move top of the Shield wicket-takers' list for the season with 52 and enhance his hopes as an Ashes bolter.
In reply to Victoria's first innings of 289, NSW were rolled for 121 and never recovered.
Tremain finished the season with 45 scalps at an average of 22.42, fourth on the list.
