Dean, Harper lead Vics to safety in Shield

Opener Dean is still at the crease on 140, with new batter James Pattinson on four.

Harper and Dean added 187 for the fifth wicket after the Vics were reduced to a shaky 4-110 in response to the Tigers' 355.

The partnership shortened the odds on a draw in the penultimate-round fixture with the pair among five states vying for a spot in Shield final.

Harper hit nine boundaries and two sixes in a 193-ball knock, as Tasmania struggled on day three to reprise their early success with the ball.

Spinner Tom Andrews claimed the only wicket to fall, trapping Harper lbw.

Dean, who was dropped on 97 late on day two, is now just 14 short of the highest score in his 56-match career.