Jacques brilliance in vain as Bulls win game

The Blues experienced their first defeat this year, losing to a determined Queensland side who recorded a three wicket win over them in a tightly fought contest at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Chasing 276 for victory, the Bulls lost three quick wickets towards the end of their chase but managed to reach the target with 16 balls to spare.

After winning the toss, the Blues elected to bat on a pitch which looked to favour the batsmen. Simon Katich (51) then combined with Phil Jaques to get the Blues to a solid start adding 89 for the first wicket. Katich’s dismissal stemmed the flow of runs as the middle order in Corey Richards (6), Michael Clarke (12) and Dominic Thornley (3) failed to make an impression.

At 4 for 150, the game started to slip away from the home team but a 72-run stand between inform Jacques and O’Brien (36) put them back in the game. Phil Jacques (152 not out) completed a back to back century after the opener smashed 13 fours and two sixes including a 22-run assault in the final over to record his best ever score in the competition. Kasprowicz (2 for 40 off 10 overs) and Symonds (2 for 39 off 10 overs) were the pick of the Queensland attack.

The Bulls run chase began well with Jimmy Maher (23) and Mathew Hayden (83) adding 46 for the first wicket. The opening overs were a bit of a nightmare for Maher, who was tested by Brett Lee’s pace and bounce. A resurgent Mathew Hayden was enjoying his return back to form as he helped himself to yet another fifty dispatching boundaries at ease. Hayden signalled his intentions clear with a massive six off McGrath over wide mid–on in the second over.

Maher’s dismissal brought Clinton Perren to the crease who put on an outstanding 113 run stand with Hayden for the second wicket. Hayden’s fall to Clark failed to stop the charge as Perren (96) kept the momentum going with good support from Andrew Symonds (14), Craig Phillipson (29) and Nathan Reardon (19) but fell four runs short of a well deserved century.

At 4 for 243 and over ten overs to be bowled, the Bulls looked to run away with the game, but Glen McGrath and Brett Lee combined to snare 3 quick wickets in the dying stages to add some spice to the contest, but it was too little too late. An experienced Andrew Bichel (4 not out) combined with Chris Simpson (2 not out) to take Queensland home and more importantly put a halt to the Blues run of success.

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