An inspired late spell of fast bowling from James Pattinson has halted Western Australia's momentum leaving Victoria within sight of the win they need to clinch a spot in the Sheffield Shield final.
WA ended day three at Traeger Park in Alice Springs at 7-238, just 62 runs ahead.
Despite conceding a 176-run first innings deficit, WA gamely fought their way back into the contest thanks to a stubborn four-hour 139-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Hilton Cartwright and Michael Klinger.
Cartwright scored an impressive 101 and Klinger contributed 55 as WA ground their way throughout the day at just 2.2 runs per over.
But with WA starting to build a lead, 17-Test paceman Pattinson struck with a devastating spell of three wickets in six balls.
Both Cartwright and Klinger went lbw, while wicketkeeper Josh Inglis was dismissed for a duck, giving Pattinson 4-48 from 18 overs.
With one further round to be played, Shield frontrunners Victoria are not only chasing a berth in the season decider, but also hosting rights.
Western Australia, who beat Victoria by an innings just a fortnight ago, are one of four teams chasing the other ticket in the season decider.
