Pura Cup Final: Day 1

The Victorian top 3 of Matthew Elliott, Jason Arnberger and Brad Hodge have produced a dominant display that has been the hallmark of the summer as the Bushrangers finish Day 1 of the Pura Cup Final in a commanding position.

Queensland captain Jimmy Maher, earlier in doubt for the match with a hamstring injury, defied convention in sending the Victorian side into bat upon winning the toss.

At stumps on Day 1, perhaps he wished his hamstring had ruled him out as a Victorian assault saw only 1 wicket fall in the day.

The Victorians included Ian Harvey and Jason Arnberger at the expense of Matthew Mott and Brendan Joseland. Queensland, meanwhile, welcomed back the injured duo or Maher and Ashley Noffke for Aaron Nye and Damien MacKenzie.

Victoria lost just one wicket in the days play as Pura Cup player of the year Matthew Elliott ran rampant against a disappointing Bulls attack.

With the support of a recalled Jason Arnberger (90) the opening partnership reached 165, as Queensland's much vaunted pace attack toiled without reward.

Yet the dismissal of Arnberger to Nathan Hauritz gave the Victorians little respite as Brad Hodge continued the carnage from number 3.

Despite his controversial comments about the Queensland pace attack earlier in the week Hodge was able to back up his words with an unbeaten 85.

Elliott finished the day unbeaten on 140, in the process breaking the record set for most runs in a Pura Cup season. He also passed Murray Goodwin as the summer's leading run scorer.

For Queensland, Hauritz's 1/56 proved the lone wicket, while Andy Bichel's forgettable 2004 continued as he finished with 0/92.

Progress Score: Stumps Day 1

Victoria 1/322 (M Elliott 140*, J Arnberger 90, B Hodge 85*; N Hauritz 1/56)

Posted by Andre