The Maroons and Blues have won all four contests in the men’s and women’s contests respectively on the Barnard Street greens.

After starting day two on the top of the ladder, Victoria’s men’s team slid a few rungs after a one-shot loss to Queensland.

Although the Vics won two of three rinks, Queensland won 60-59.

The Victorians fought back to win the fourth-round clash with Northern Territory, but face a huge task in this morning’s battle with the in-form Blues.

Although it’s been a decade since Victoria won the men’s crown, the host state is well in the hunt.

Although Queensland  is the frontrunner, NSW is well in the mix to claim the Alley Shield for the sixth time in a decade.

A highlight of yesterday’s match between South Australia and the Blues was the 21-19 win by SA’s world champion Wayne Ruediger against recently crowned International Bowler of the Year Aron Sherriff.

Former Australian A squad member Max Kleinig beat national squad member Shane Garvey 26-13.

The Blues won a great contest, 59-58, after the Mark Casey-skipped team beat Scott Thulborn, 27-11.

A powerful New South Wales women’s team is hot favourite to win the coveted Marj Morris trophy.

All three of the NSW rinks are skipped by 2012 world champions – Kelsey Cottrell, Natasha Van Eldik and Karen Murphy.

The Blues are undefeated after four of seven rounds.

NSW has defeated Northern Territory, 94-30;  Western Australia, 81;40; South Australia, 72-48; and Tasmania, 78-47.

Victoria will try to outplay the Blues in this morning’s fifth round.