Victoria moved to within striking distance of victory in the Pura Cup cricket final by taking six Queensland wickets late on day three at the MCG.

Already assured of claiming its first first-class title since 1990-91 by posting a mammoth 710, Victoria took a giant stride towards a win after legspinner Cameron White's three wickets sparked a Queensland collapse of 6-72 just before tea.

Queensland finished the day at 6-177 with Martin Love 22 not out and Andy Bichel two not out, stil trailing by 533.

Love, the Bulls' usual No.3, came in at No.6 after spending most of the day at the team hotel with a sinus infection.

Captain Jimmy Maher was out just before stumps, LBW in Jonathan Moss' first over, for 72 after almost four hours of resistance.

Moss then had Bulls wicketkeeper Chris Hartley (nought) out LBW in his next over.

White finished with 3-36 and Moss 2-2.

Although facing a mountain to get within sight of Victoria's total, Queensland was well-placed with openers Maher and Clinton Perren largely untroubled after Victoria was all out just before lunch.

But with the score on 85, Perren (40) got an edge to a Michael Lewis delivery and Victorian captain Darren Berry did the rest, completing a great one-handed catch by diving low and forward.

White then took two wickets in 10 balls, the first when Stuart Law (18) spooned a wide ball to David Hussey at cover and the second when Chris Simpson (eight) was out LBW.

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