Vics break hoodoo for rare Gabba win

It's taken two decades to achieve but Victoria has broken through for its first four-day win at the Gabba since 1983 with a five-wicket Pura Cup victory over Queensland today.

Despite some last-day heroics from Bulls all-rounder James Hopes, the Bushrangers overcame some anxious moments to make 5-160 to post an outright victory and erase 20 years of disappointment at the Gabba.

Stand-in skipper Cameron White, who was only four months old when Victoria last won at the ground, said the hoodoo was now broken.

"Hopefully next year we come up here with more confidence and look forward to having another win," said White, who was also named man of the match.

"It's a good start (to the season) and I guess it's not a hoodoo anymore."

But there were concerns the young Victorians would crash to another ignominious defeat when Hopes captured 4-2 in 16 balls to have the Bushrangers teetering at 4-54 just after lunch.

They recovered somewhat on an uneven pitch before Joe Dawes dismissed Jonathan Moss for 22 to leave Victoria at 5-93 an hour before tea.

It took an unbeaten 67-run partnership between White (38) and Andrew McDonald (45no) to secure the landmark win.

The victory was Victoria's first at the ground in a four-day game since December, 1983, when Ray Bright led the team.

Before that match, the previous Victorian win at the home of Queensland cricket was in 1965.

The victory had looked a formality just before lunch with the Bushrangers reaching 0-50.

But Hopes, whose bowling in the match had previously failed to live up to his promise, hit a purple patch.

The 25-year-old had opener Matthew Elliott lbw for 23 just before lunch and after the break caught Jason Arnberger in front without offering a shot for 27.

In his next over, he had Brad Hodge caught at gully for two with a searing bouncer and then caught and bowled first innings century-maker David Hussey for a duck.

Regular captain Darren Berry, who missed the game because of injury, flew to Brisbane to enjoy the celebrations.

But after hearing of the collapse he said he almost got back on the plane.

"When I got on the plane it was 0-50 and I thought you beauty," Berry said.

"When I arrived Hookesy (Victorian coach David Hookes) told me we had lost 4-4 and I thought I should just get back on the plane and go home."

Hopes finished with 4-63 and Dawes 1-54.

Bulls paceman Mitchell Johnson was unable to bowl because of a side strain and is in doubt for the match against Victoria at Junction oval next week.

Queensland started the day on 7-233 aiming to soak up as much time at the crease as possible.

But with the aid of the new ball, the Queensland made 256 after Moss captured 3-12 off four overs.

Moss ended up with 3-61 while Mathew Inness had 3-42.