A Michael Klinger century powered South Australia to 7-277 and despite the efforts of Aaron Finch (63), the Vics could only manage 9-229 in reply.

Victoria v South Australia - Ryobi One Day Cup Review - February 18, 2012

 

WHAT HAPPENED:  South Australia defeated Victoria by 48 runs at the MCG

 

A Michael Klinger century (112) powered South Australia to 7-277 at the end of their 50 overs.

 

Aaron Finch and Robert Quiney charged out of the blocks in reply, bringing up Victoria's 50 from 43 balls.

 

Finch in particular was serving it up to Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, as he targeted the mid-wicket boundary.

 

But the powerhouse was controversially given out after an umpire review for 63 from 62 balls.

 

Andrew McDonald filled the void nicely, making 43 off 36 balls, but his wicket triggered a monumental collapse.

 

Victoria lost 5-42, before debutant Clive Rose (23 not out) and Scott Boland (19) provided some entertainment at the end of the innings.

 

Ultimately, the Bushrangers left too much to the inexperienced middle order as they crumbled to 9-229 in the 45th over.

 

THE HERO: Aaron Finch

 

Finch's scintillating innings was the key reason for the Bushrangers' terrific start.

 

His innings included seven fours and one six, with his ability to clear the in-field a clear feature of his time in the middle.

 

His main hitting area was mid-wicket, although he also flayed a couple of boundaries that travelled rapidly through the point area as well.

 

THE VILLAIN: Andrew Fekete's foot

 

The Bushrangers debutant collected 2-42 on an impressive debut, before disaster struck. Bowling to Redbacks batsman Theo Doropoulous, Fekete copped the full brunt of a powerful drive on his outstretched foot.

 

Remarkably he bowled two more deliveries, before leaving the field. Fekete was taken to hospital for X-rays where it was determined he had fractured his foot. One thing is for sure, Fekete will remember his debut game, one way or the other.

 

DEFINING MOMENT: The dismissals of Finch and McDonald

 

Finch was looked like he was going to give another one-day century a nudge, before he was given out lbw off the bowling of Gary Putland. Initially, the umpire adjudicated the ball was missing leg stump. But an umpire referral determined the ball was going on to hit leg stump. Finch was outwardly disgusted, hurling his helmet and bat down the race as he trudged down towards the changing rooms.

McDonald was in devastating touch, too, scoring 43 from 36 balls, before Nathan Lyon dived to save a ball off his own bowling. The Bushrangers all-rounder thought he had beaten Lyon, but the bowler flung the ball to keeper Adam Crosthwaite to catch McDonald short of his ground. Following McDonald's dismissal Victoria lost 5-42.

 

MILESTONES:

 

Clive Rose: Debut

Alex Keath: One-day domestic debut

Andrew Fekete: Debut

 

THE UPSHOT: Victoria's debutants gain great experience

 

In a dead rubber match for the Bushrangers, who are unable to make the one-day final, getting games in to their young players will give them invaluable experience.

WHERE TO NOW: Sheffield Shield, Wednesday March 17-21

 

That was Victoria's final one-day game of the season.

 

They now face a must-win clash against Western Australia in Perth to keep alive their chances of playing off in the Shield final.

 

WHO SAID WHAT: Cameron White, Victorian captain

 

"It was a great learning experience for the middle order," White said.

 

"We just had a great chat about some of the things that we did learn out of that sort of stuff and since none of the top order went on they were probably thrown in to a situation that was harder than most times when you're trying to fight through those little battles."

 

"So it will be a good one to hold the boys in good stead going forward, I reckon."

19 FEBRUARY, 2012 Ben Guthrie