Buck's Blog: Finals fever
Fri, 26 February 2010
While waiting for our flight at Brisbane airport, the buzz is all about Sunday's final. No matter how many finals we Victorians make, the excitement of another one is just as good. After a great start, it has been a battle to make the Ford Ranger Cup final this year, and last week's game was almost a semi final for us. Beat the Bulls or we were out of the competition. Big games often bring out the best in class players and Brad Hodge's century was at the very top. To score four centuries in one season is extraordinary. Many get past 50, but it takes a special player to keep his head and convert it to three figures. He is an amazing player and it is painful to those of us watching him game after game to see him not get the recognition he deserves. Just about every state player in the country would choose him for both Australia's limited-overs teams. He's a victim to the fact that Australia has rarely been tested in the limited over arena in recent seasons, and the selectors have been able to experiment with players with two strings to their bow. But no one can tell me that he is not one of the two best one-day batsmen in Australia. Another who was brilliant was Ronnie McDonald. His four wickets turned the game for us when it looked like we were going to be run down. He is a player who gets the job done and who plays his role perfectly. I feel sorry for him too, as it seems he is being overlooked for higher honours for other all-rounders who aren't as consistent as he is. But Australia's loss is our gain, and to have him there on Sunday is a massive advantage for us. I wouldn't swap him for any other all-rounder in the country. We know we have the side to beat Tasmania and it is a matter of us being on our game come Sunday. Last year we faltered with the bat on a low, slow pitch, and lost to the Bulls at home. But after winning the two finals since - the Shield and T20 - we know we can perform on the big day. Finals are the days that players look forward to the most. The pressure is on, and to do well is hugely satisfying. My tip to be a big performer in the final is Aaron Finch. He looks like being an exceptional player and it's plain to see he has his game sorted out. He and John Hastings have been the finds for us this season, and I think Finchy will end up playing limited overs for Oz. If he can get going on Sunday he will do some damage, as he scores so quickly. But we have match winners everywhere so I'm confident about our chances. I can tell you we're pretty keen to show everyone why we are the best side in the competition.
by Chris Rogers, opening batsman for the DEC Bushrangers
