Few teams can defend 240 at tiny North Sydney but the Vics got lucky on Sunday, with Steve Smith resting and in-form Shane Watson yet again falling lbw when he was well set.
Scott Boland took two of the last three wickets, a delicious irony given he was under the pump to perform with many wanting Test paceman Peter Siddle to play ahead of him .
The Vics meet Tasmania on Tuesday for the right to play a qualifying final and if they keep winning, will come up against a full strength NSW, again at North Sydney in the competition final next Sunday.
The Blues had been unbeaten until Sunday and will no doubt start warm favourites with Smith back at the helm.