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THURSDAY 1 MARCH 2001
Hopes of a strong run home: Matthew Mott on the Bushrangers' Pura Cup mission
With the Mercantile Mutual campaign finished, the Bushrangers have one clear goal in mind: to host the Pura Cup Final at the MCG. Whilst we as a group do not want to get ahead of ourselves, there is no disguising the fact that we want to play in this year's Final and obtaining home ground advantage is something which is extremely achievable.
The feeling among the group is at an all-time high after a huge away win in Adelaide during the week. I am sure we surprised many including even ourselves by the 'backs to the wall effort' on a wearing wicket this week. It was a truly amazing team effort with every member contributing in some way. After losing the toss and fielding in 40-degree heat on a flat wicket we rallied around and restricted the Redbacks to a modest total of 300. The wicket was very dry and even 'Blind Freddy' could tell you it was going to develop into a raging turner later in the game.
In the chase for first innings points we got agonisingly close, just three runs separated the two teams with the Redbacks winning round one. This actually may have been the tonic we needed because we came out incredibly charged and ripped through them in the second innings with everyone contributing to their downfall.
Reiffel and Harvey combined to destroy their goal of setting us a big total to chase on a wicket on which was always going to be hard to score. With the assistance of reverse swing we managed to knock over the last seven wickets for only 38 runs. It was a mighty special effort, and one which deserved a victory. The Redbacks certainly weren't going to throw in the towel, and the 192 runs required provided more than a few anxious moments. The Redbacks constantly reminded our batsmen of the game last year where they knocked over the Warriors in a similar situation.
Michael 'Hassellhoff' Klinger showed his class with a fine 66 not out scored under pressure after a duck in the first innings of his first game back after being dropped. 'Maxi', as he is also known, is the new age cricketer for the future; super fit and strong, he has abdominal muscles that make Peter Andre look like Norm out of the 'Life Be In It' advertisements. That knock could prove a real turning point in his career, as I'm sure it will give Maxi an amazing amount of confidence going into the last few games.
Matthew Elliott looks primed and hungry for some big runs coming into the run home. After a late start to the year he has shown exactly what he is capable of in the one-day format with three awesome centuries. Now he looks set to pile on the runs in the longer format. Whilst he himself would never mention it I'm sure he has his sights set on the Ashes tour later this year. Matthew has reinvented himself as a senior player and is a great resource for the younger players in the squad. Unselfishly he is often seen throwing balls to other players without expecting any in return.
It was strange going into the game last week without Darren 'Strawbs' Berry. It was the first time I have played a domestic game without the feisty gloveman. Darren is one of the most passionate cricket players/supporters I have ever met. Whether he is playing for Victoria or his club Northcote he will do everything in his powers to win. He watched the entire game on C7 and rang and left encouraging messages on the boys' mobiles each night.
His replacement Peter Roach, who is desperately unlucky to have such a fine gloveman in his way, did an excellent job on a tough wicket for keepers. 'Roachy' has kept his head up despite what must be a frustrating time waiting in the wings. Should Darren get injured again Victoria is lucky to have such a quality replacement ready to go.
So from here we take on the Tigers in Hobart starting Friday, followed by a few days back in Melbourne then up to tackle the Blues at the SCG and finally a big finish with the Warriors at home. A hectic time ahead and if we can stay on the roll it should an enjoyable and successful month. But first stop is Tassie and, although outright results have been few and far between at Bellerive in recent times, I'm sure both sides will be pushing strongly for maximum points.
Time to sign off, I look forward to bringing you more good news in the weeks to come.
Until then, take it easy!
Matthew Mott
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More Postcards
18 January 2001
Matthew Mott on the Bushrangers' stirring Pura Cup revival
16 November 2000
Matthew Mott comments on the Bushrangers' early struggles and the lingering curse of the 'Dak'
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