VICTORIAN umpires defeated South Australia umpires in the 34th RM Crockett Shield cricket match held at Cricket Willow last Saturday.

The match between the Victorian Cricket Association Umpires and Scorers' Association and the South Australian Cricket Umpires' Association was held under clear blue skies and a lush playing green surface.

Victoria won the toss and sent South Australia into bat.

Steady batting saw South Australia two for 54 after 21 overs.

Big hitting came from Mike Sheppard and Graham Slater who added 68 runs in rapid time.

Victoria fought back with the visitors losing five wickets for 30 runs to finish with seven for 152 at the compulsory closure after 45 overs.

The Victorian run chase began in steady fashion with Chris Allan and Tony Ventura adding 66 off 19 overs, breaking a 38 year old record of 54 for the opening stand.

The run rate accelerated with the arrival of Michael Leckie together with captain Ash Barrow adding 78 runs off 61 balls in 39 minutes to win the match in the 33rd over.

The final score was Victoria two for 155 defeated South Australia seven for 152.

Victoria now leads the competition 18 to 16 in these matches dating back to 1936.