Victoria claims inaugural Futures League title
Fri, 5 March 2010
Victoria has claimed the inaugural Futures League title with a 170-run win over Western Australia at the Junction Oval on Thursday. Heading into the final round of matches the Vics were just half a point ahead of NSW, but a dominant performance against WA combined with ACT and NSW playing out a draw saw Victoria finish 8.7 points clear. DEC Bushrangers rookie Brett Forsyth set up the match with an unbeaten 158 in the first innings and finished as the leading run-scorer in the competition with 632 at an average of 70.22. Captain Ryan Carters, also a DEC Bushrangers rookie, helped build Victoria's lead with a terrific knock of 109 not out off 133 balls in the second dig. North Melbourne off-spinner Daniel Salpietro, playing his first match for Victoria, captured four wickets in each innings to be the pick of the bowlers. Victorian coach Shawn Flegler was pleased the young team was rewarded for all its hard work throughout the season. "We played positive, aggressive cricket all the way through, got four outright wins and were in with a chance in the other two," Flegler said. "It's been a pretty good few years for Victorian cricket across the board and success breeds success, so hopefully these players can continue to develop. "There were some outstanding individual performances and a good team work ethic, which is a great sign for the future." The Futures League replaced the competition formerly known as the CA Cup and allows for just three players over the age of 23 in each line-up, providing a good opportunity for the next crop of first-class cricketers to make their mark. For more information on the innovations used in the Futures League, head to www.cricket.com.au/futuresleague Final Futures League ladder: Team Pts Victoria 37.1 NSW 28.4 SA 26.7 ACT 22.5 Queensland 20.8 WA 18.5 Tasmania 14.5
