Matthew Mott's Postcards

WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2001
An agonising end: Matthew Mott ponders the narrow divide between victory and defeat in the Pura Cup

So close yet so far … .

It was once again a bold effort but unfortunately there were no cigars for the Bushrangers in 2000-2001. Throughout the year everybody chipped in at vital times in our quest for Pura Cup glory. Although Queensland was the winner in the end, we were by no means the losers.

The game itself had many twists and turns and, while we never seemed to get our nose in front, we pushed Queensland every inch of the way. I can tell from talking to their players after the game that, whilst the match had plenty of needle, there was mutual respect in both camps.

From our point of view, the much publicised 'no catch decision' involving Michael Klinger was the game's turning point. However, over five days, one decision shouldn't change the match and we were provided with other opportunities after that to alter the course of the game.

Whilst it is a shattering experience to be on the losing side in a Final, there were numerous positives to come out of the season. The prolific form of Brad Hodge was very entertaining and he thoroughly deserved the Victorian Player of the Year award. Also, not as well publicised but equally as important, Brad was a runaway winner in the inaugural Players' player award.

The ever-consistent Jason Arnberger again notched up 900-plus runs for the year. 'Arnie' is an excellent team man and his appetite for runs is insatiable whatever the situation and wherever he plays. He recently wed the lovely Suzie and they will now embark on their northern pilgrimage to Aberdeen in Scotland where Arnie will continue to plunder all before him.

Mathew Inness could be considered a little unlucky this year. On a personal note a fantastic achievement, having his best ever season, but in the space of four days he played in two losing Grand Finals. Upon return from Brisbane he played for his club side Essendon, and they narrowly went down to St Kilda in the Premier cricket Final held at the Albert ground.

The future of Victoria looks rosy when you consider how well our bowling attack performed this year. I am sure some people forget sometimes that we play most of the season without the likes of Shane Warne, Damien Fleming, Colin Miller and Ian Harvey. This does provide opportunities for others to step up, and that is exactly what bowlers such as 'Mad' Mick Lewis, John 'Chicks' Davison, and Cameron 'who stole my bum' White proved they could do. Added to their efforts was the amazing mix of control and penetration of captain Paul Reiffel who this year again demonstrated that Victoria was a huge winner given his premature retirement from international cricket.

Our batting was once again consistent with valuable contributions from all of the batters, apart from Hodge and Arnberger who were the standouts. Michael Klinger showed glimpses of his obvious class and temperament. His best knock was his match-winning 66 not out in the last innings in Adelaide, although people will always remember his 99 not out in Tasmania.

Matthew Elliott was hampered by knee problems early in the season yet still came out and played some magnificent innings. Regrettably, I wasn't there to see a lot of his prolific one-day form, which a few of the boys said was as good you could see. His 98 in the Shield Final was a really inspirational endeavour for all who witnessed it. Unfortunately it wasn't a match-winning one but it surely deserved it. His passion for Victoria is something that should not be underestimated.

Jon Moss impressed many with his all-round talents as he burst onto the first-class scene. Mossy is one of the world's nicest blokes and his bubbly nature was well appreciated by the boys in the side. He quickly earnt the nickname 'How good' as that was the enthusiastic way he started most of his sentences.

Keeper Darren Berry was again a source of inspiration behind the stumps; his efforts to get back on the paddock after a painful shoulder injury was a perfect example of his will to push through the pain barrier. His 60 in the Pura Cup Final gave us a fighting chance of winning the game - the sign of a courageous player coming good at the right time.

On a personal note, it was a year that was not the most prolific but generally I was reasonably satisfied with the contributions I made. Frustratingly, I did not make the most of a lot of starts, which can turn a good season into a great season. It was very pleasing to record my highest first-class score of 154 against the Warriors, and it proved to me more than anyone that I can play a dominant innings if the situation demands it.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank our support staff for their commitment and perseverance in helping us achieve our goals. Without their amazing contribution, our pursuit of a professional system would never get off the ground. Coach John Scholes has surrounded himself with many experienced and capable assistants. Endless, and no doubt very dull, hours are spent by the stats committee running a fine toothcomb through the opposition's strengths and weaknesses.

I will be reporting in regularly from the Lancashire League where I resume playing for Rawtenstall CC. Until next time, take it easy!

Matthew Mott

More Postcards THURSDAY 1 MARCH 2001 Hopes of a strong run home: Matthew Mott on the Bushrangers' Pura Cup mission 18 January 2001 Matthew Mott on the Bushrangers' stirring Pura Cup revival