The sun was shining in Launceston as the Tigers took the field for their Marsh Cup fixture at UTAS Stadium, and the team were in bright spirits as they welcomed back Matthew Wade into the playing XI.
However, the cheery mood didn't last long as Victoria won the toss and sent Tasmania into bat - and systematically began to take down the Tigers top order.
Caleb Jewell departed swiftly, and though Charlie Wakim and Matt Wade appeared to settle things down, a flurry of wickets for Fergus O'Neill and Will Sutherland had the Tigers in hot water - with Wakim, Wade and Silk all departing in a handful of overs to leave Tasmania 4-42.
It was Beau Webster who stood up yet again for the Tigers, continuing his rich vein of form to pull the side clear of total disaster. Mac Wright joined him in rebuilding the innings - and blasted a couple of massive sixes over mid-wicket to give the crowd something to cheer about.
Webster adopted the role of the anchor while Mac attacked, but Wright was caught on 34 off just 37 balls, with the total now 5-96.
Mitch Owen and Tom Rogers were unable to make real inroads, but Paddy Dooley managed to hang around while Webster dragged the total a little higher, before falling caught behind for a valuable 47.
The tail didn't wag for too long - with Victoria bowling the Tigers our for 156, with Sam Elliott the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets.
The Tigers needed to strike early, and Tom Rogers did just that - dismissing his namesake (Victorian opener Tom Rogers) with an absolute jaffa to have him caught behind by Matt Wade.
Marcus Harris and Matt Short got into their work, and despite a couple of half chances - kept the total ticking over. The Tigers fought back, and Billy Stanlake was rewarded for an excellent spell when he bowled Harris for a gritty 21 off 37 balls.
At 2-68, Handscomb joined Short at the crease, who began to accelerate his innings and put Victoria back into total control. The Tigers struck in consecutive overs, with Rogers removing Handscomb and the exciting Paddy Dooley snaring new man Sam Harper - but at 4-105 with overs to spare, Victoria were still in the drivers seat.
Jon Merlo and Short were able to chase the remaining runs without loss, finishing 4-160 to hand Victoria a comfortable win - with Short carrying the bat magnificently to finish 81*
Full scorecard here
