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Guwahati : Home side NF Railway took a 79-run first innings lead and were leading by 297 runs in the second innings against Silchar at close of the third day's play of the four-day Nuruddin Ahmed Trophy senior inter-district elite group cricket tournament final at Nehru Stadium here today. Chasing NF Railway's first innings total of 349, Silchar resumed at overnight 166 for five to give a tough fight before they were all out for 270 in 95 overs shortly after lunch today. The railmen were 218 for four in 63 overs when stumps were drawn for the day. Ranji player Rajdeep Das, who was not out on 44 yesterday, was the first to be dismissed today, marching back to the dressing rooms for a run-a-ball 47 (4x6). However, his overnight partner Samik Das resumed at 36 to rally on to topscore for his side with 64 (4x4, 6x2). Kaushik Giri (21, 4x4) and Pritam Das (15, 4x1) were the other notable scorers for the side, as Avay Yadav remained unbeaten on 17 (6x1). Offie Swarupam Purkayastha was the NF Railway demolition man with a haul of five for 91 and was ably supported by left-arm spinner Sekharjyoti Barman with three for 70 and paceman Arup Das claiming two for 23. Chandan Rawat gave a solid opening to NF Railway's second innings with a patient 76-run knock, laced with nine boundaries. Middle order bat Tajinder Singh appeared set for a century at 82 (4x10, 6x1) before he was bowled out trying to play a slow turner from Avay Yadav. Parvez Aziz and Swarupam Purkayastha were batting on 18 and 17 respectively at close today.