Hodge and Rogers drive into nervous Queensland

Victoria 2 for 285 (Hodge 147*, Rogers 123) trail Queensland 302 (Watson 145, Hastings 4-56) by 17 runs
Scorecard
Points table

Brad Hodge and Chris Rogers warmed up for next week's final with centuries that left Queensland in a worrying position after two days at the MCG. As the Bulls watched their opponents breeze to 2 for 285, they were also looking to Adelaide where Tasmania, their rivals for the decider, are improving their position.

With Hodge moving to 147 not out and Rogers taking 123, it is becoming increasingly likely that Queensland will leave the match with no points and have to rely on the Tigers not beating South Australia. The scenario doesn't bother Victoria, who are pushing to go through a season without giving up a point to any team.

The Bulls reached 302 thanks to Shane Watson's 145 and the effort from the tail, but their total was almost crossed out by stumps after Hodge and Rogers showed their class during a 244-run stand for the second wicket. Hodge was the more attacking, blasting three sixes and 17 fours in his 50th first-class century, while Rogers passed 1000 runs for the season.

Queensland started well when Nick Jewell (1) hit James Hopes to Chris Simpson in the gully, but their only other breakthrough came when Rogers fell to Simpson. He struck 13 fours during his 203-ball innings and now has 1048 runs for the season at 74.85, sitting second on the list behind Michael Klinger.

After the start of play was delayed two hours by rain, Watson added 31 to his overnight 114 before he was run out trying to farm the strike. Watson, who is not bowling due to back stress fractures, put on 92 with Nathan Rimmington and 30 with Ben Laughlin (9) before the innings ended. John Hastings, who removed Rimmington for 26, led the bowling with 4 for 56.