The first round of Pura Cup matches produced some very interesting performances.
The Victorian Bushrangers beat The Queensland Bulls at the Gabba for the first time since 1983 and only the second time in 38 years. Interesting to note Bushies skipper, and Man of the Match, Cameron White was born in !983.
An excellent century from David Hussey and a solid 89 from Jason Arnberger saw the Vics gain 1st. innings points after White's 4/27 had wrecked The Bulls first innings.
Only Stuart Law stood out for The Bulls with the bat. He scored 47 and 81. Chris Simpson's quick 83 gave the Vics a bit of a problem, late in the first innings.
Hopes (4/63) gave Victoria a scare in their 160 run chase for victory but White and Andy McDonald gutsed it out for the victory.
Points: Bushies 6. Bulls 0.
The Southern Redbacks could only manage 236 in their first dig at Bellerive with Paul Downton doing the damage for the Tassie Tigers with 5/71.
Two good centuries, from Jamie Cox and Shane Watson, and 76 n.o. from Dan Marsh gave Tassie a big first innings lead. Cleary took 5/102.
David Fitzgerald (202 n.o.) and Greg Blewett (171) put on 281 in The Redbacks' second dig to save being beaten outright.
Points: Tigers 2. Redbacks 0.
The N.S.W. Blues were on top early but a great 201 n.o. from Murray Goodwin gave The Western Warriors a good first innings total.
The Blues were struggling until a 158 run partnership from Simon Katich and stand in wicket keeper, Nathan Pilon helped them towards a first innings lead. Katich scored 182 n.o. and Pilon, 78.
An out of form Justin Langer found some as he ran up 163 n.o. before declaring with a lead of 302. N.S.W. had 52 overs to attempt the win or play out a draw and keep the 2 points.
Well, Steve Waugh took up the challenge and led from the front with another wonderful century. Katich ignored his painful thumb injury to slam 71 from 45 balls in a breathtaking display.
Matthew Nicholson took 6/148 in his first game for The Blues. Both he and Katich are from W.A.
Points: Blues 6. Warriors 0.
The next Pura games are: Bushies v. Bulls in Melbourne starting on Nov. 11 and Tigers v. Blues in Hobart starting on Nov. 12.
