Hogan turns hero for Western Australia

Western Australia 277 (Voges 114, McGain 4-41, McKay 4-47) and 0 for 9 lead Victoria 246 (White 74, Hogan 3-29) by 40 runs
Scorecard

The 28-year-old debutant Michael Hogan helped Western Australia claim first-innings points against Victoria as the Bushrangers fell 31 short of the Warriors' 277. Hogan's three top-order wickets were a key factor in getting on top of Victoria, who hadn't conceded points in a first-class match since the Warriors beat them in March 2008.

At stumps, the Western Australian lead had grown to 40 as they reached 0 for 9 with Wes Robinson on 7 and Luke Towers on 1. A last-wicket stand of 21 had given the Bushrangers a slim hope as Darren Pattinson was dropped twice, but the end came when Bryce McGain was given out caught behind down leg side off Brett Dorey.

Victoria's main hope of overhauling the Warriors was Cameron White, who was in excellent touch and posted 74 from 123 balls. Twice throughout his innings he struck three consecutive boundaries and he brought up his half-century with a superb on-driven four off Ashley Noffke.

But as White's partners disappeared, he reined in his aggression and eventually fell for 74 when he cut Noffke to Marcus North at gully. Victoria's hopes dwindled further when David Bandy nibbled one through the defences of Clint McKay (26) and Steve Magoffin trapped John Hastings lbw for 6.

The real damage had been done early, when a Victoria top order missing Brad Hodge struggled to capitalise on a 63-run opening stand between Chris Rogers and Nick Jewell (46). In his second over at first-class level, Hogan had Rogers caught low at first slip for 29 and later in the same over found the outside edge when David Hussey failed to show due care early in his innings.

A tall man at 195 centimetres, the former Newcastle bowler Hogan hit the pitch hard and was clearly enjoying his first taste of Sheffield Shield cricket, having moved from New South Wales during the off-season. He added the wicket of Andrew McDonald, who pulled straight to short midwicket for 10, and finished with 3 for 29.

Western Australia batted for two overs at the end of the day, having extended their first innings by ten deliveries in the morning. They added two to their overnight total before Hogan became McKay's fourth victim, leaving Adam Voges unbeaten on 114.