Bulls prolong Victoria's horror run

Prolonging both its miserable early season run of form and an horrific record in Brisbane, Victoria has slumped to a crushing ten wicket loss at the hands of Queensland today in the teams' Pura Cup clash at the Allan Border Field. The win, which came on the final afternoon, catapults the Bulls into a clear lead on the Pura Cup table and leaves the Bushrangers firmly entrenched at the very opposite end of the standings.

Openers Matthew Hayden (118*) and Jimmy Maher (103*) and paceman Joe Dawes (6/98) were the heroes of the Bulls' win. With a first-class career best, it was the redoubtable Dawes who played a major role in limiting the Victorians to a second innings score of 326 through the first part of the final day. Around another fine early-season innings from the rejuvenated Brad Hodge (101*) and a hard-hitting century from Ian Harvey (100), the hulking right armer joined with Adam Dale (3/87) to trigger a crucial late collapse from the Victorians for the second time in three days. Of particular significance was the eleven over burst shortly before lunch that produced the loss of the wickets of Darren Berry (13), Paul Reiffel (7), Colin Miller (5) and Michael Lewis (1).

As for Hayden and Maher, they could barely have made the Bulls' progression to their victory target of 229 from a possible fifty-nine overs appear any more comfortable. Hayden was at his domineering best, all but sealing a spot in the Test team to play West Indies in a fortnight with his second major contribution for the match. Continuing his rich vein of form, the busy Maher was also in command, albeit against an attack which seemed overawed by the placid nature of the pitch.

"We are such a strong side," said a beaming Hayden after the match. "To win two games on this kind of wicket, a southern type of wicket is great and I just can't wait to get back to the 'Gabba ... where we have a huge home ground advantage."

"We're always trying to get out of our comfort zone and create chances that will make us champions."

Champions they are a long way from becoming yet, but the Bulls' start to the season is certainly reminiscent of the record-breaking run that started them on their way to the first-class title last summer. From their opening three games, they have already plundered fourteen points and their depth of resources will serve them well again when each of the states is affected by the loss of its international representatives shortly.

For Victoria, on the other hand, a season which promised so much is rapidly starting to become unglued. No side in recent memory has been as badly hit by injury but, save for Hodge, it is hard to identify too many players in their line-up at present who are playing at close to optimum potential.