TAS V NSW PURA CUP FINAL

[Adelaide Hawk]

The only problem with the Pura Cup final is that the home side only needs to draw to win the comp. Fair enough that they get this advantage but it could potentially spoil what could otherwise be a fantastic finish with both sides chasing the victory. Now all Tassie will do is bat and bat and bat NSW right out of the game. Only some very good bowling and fielding can give NSW a chance from here.

The fact we have the final gives NSW all the chance they are entitled to.

Before we started having finals, the 2nd team didn't have any chance at all. I think it's fair that if the 2nd team can't win after 5 days of cricket, it should be award to the top team. Besides, if it's a draw, how else do you decide the winner of the Pura Cup?

[rod_rooster]

The only problem with the Pura Cup final is that the home side only needs to draw to win the comp. Fair enough that they get this advantage but it could potentially spoil what could otherwise be a fantastic finish with both sides chasing the victory. Now all Tassie will do is bat and bat and bat NSW right out of the game. Only some very good bowling and fielding can give NSW a chance from here.

The fact we have the final gives NSW all the chance they are entitled to.

Before we started having finals, the 2nd team didn't have any chance at all. I think it's fair that if the 2nd team can't win after 5 days of cricket, it should be award to the top team. Besides, if it's a draw, how else do you decide the winner of the Pura Cup?

Don't get me wrong, i do think the home team deserves the advantage and i can't think of a better way of deciding it but all i was saying is that this game is setup perfectly for a great last 3 days if both sides were going to do everything they could to win. Unfortunately NSW will be doing this but Tassie (rightly so) will be doing everything it can to make sure it doesn't lose and if a win eventuates for them it's a bonus. I don't blame Tassie or the rules but it's just a shame that Tassie will attempt to bat for as long as they possibly can with no real intention of setting themselves up to win the game.

[Dogwatcher]

I think Tassie are in a pretty good position to go for the win anyway at the moment.

And.....who's to say that a draw won't produce a thrilling outcome. We've had a post reminiscing about that magnificent SA shield win and many people here posted how much it enthralled them.....

[rod_rooster]

I think Tassie are in a pretty good position to go for the win anyway at the moment.

And.....who's to say that a draw won't produce a thrilling outcome. We've had a post reminiscing about that magnificent SA shield win and many people here posted how much it enthralled them.....

Yes Tassie are in a great position to go for the win but they won't. Why would they? If they are 400 in front with 3 and a half sessions to go why would they declare? It would give NSW a sniff. They will bat and bat and bat and you can't blame them. True a draw can produce an exciting result as we would all remember from SA's last Shield win. Who knows NSW could roll Tassie and setup a great chase but if Tassie have it their way they will get 2 early wickets today and then bat till close of play on Friday. No hurry to set a target or any pressure of having to declare to give themselves enough time to bowl NSW out. A long time to bat yes and i guess this fact could mean NSW could have a chance to chase down a total on the last day so who knows.

[rod_rooster]

NSW all out for 230. 110 run lead for Tassie. NSW would have to do something extrodinary from here to win it or Tassie would have to choke in a big way.

[RoosterMarty]

Paine out already, 1/27

MacGill will need to step up if NSW are to win this.

[Dogwatcher]

An early wicket opens up interesting possibilities. Next one needs to come soon if NSW are to gain any momentum.

Out of interest - how many finals in the past decade have ended in BORING draws? Not trying to prove a point, just curious...

[Maddogmike]

Macgill has given very little all season, except for a high economy rate.

[RoosterMarty]

Agree Mike. He has been pretty rubbish and very expensive.. a bit of a worry as most people have said he is a certainty to become Australia's number one spinner in the test arena next summer.

[Dogwatcher]

TAS 2/99 - 209 ahead. There will be a result.

[Rik E Boy]

We are 'd. Di Venuto piling on the 'Paine'. We couldn't get Mike out last week either. Tassie leads by 208 with eight in the shed...better luck next year boys.

regards,

REB

[rod_rooster]

2 1/2 days left REB. Keep the lead to 350 or under and anything could happen.

[Rik E Boy]

While there's life there's hope. Tassie 4/131...Stuey 1 for 8 and De Venuto run out. Come on boys roll that tail!!

regards,

REB

[RoosterMarty]

Good fight back for NSW. It's not over yet, they slowed the runs down while picking up a couple of wickets, good bowling by the Blues. The Tassie batsmen haven't come in yet going by their first innings performance.

[mal]

TAS 340
BUTTERWORTH 66

NEW REB WALES SECOND ELEVEN 230
BUTTERWORTH 4/33

TAS 6/203
BUTTERWORTH 22*

TAS is 313 in front with 4 wickets left
NEW REB SECOND ELEVEN WALES had a very very very good day
TA still in the box seat, another 50-80 runs likely so a chase of 360 to 390 .
What a fantastic final.

Guess who might be man of the match no BUTs for ER what its WORTH.

[am Bays]

Lunch day 4, Tassie effectively 6/397. Butterworth 75* and Clingleffer 36*

The fat lady is clearing her throat, bat another session and good night NSW.....

[Booney]

TAS 340 and 6/311 (116.5 overs) NSW 230

Tassie,get the big bird out of her seat.The Tigers are gonna win their first ever Cup! Oh to be celebrating with those boys.

[rod_rooster]

What a super game from Butterworth so far. Batting at 8 he got 66 in the first dig, 92 n.o. so far in the 2nd dig and 4/33 with the ball. Great effort.

[Rik E Boy]

Can't see us jagging it from here, the better side is going to win this Shield. I hope a few Taswegians get out to Bellrieve tomorrow to see the end of the match. How tough would it be to win the Sheffield Shield? For players like De Venuto and Marsh, this will be a career highlight. Only a Jaques/Katich special can get us out of this one.

regards,

REB

[rod_rooster]

REB if your boys get home from here it will be one of the great comebacks of all time. Can't see it happening. Tassie just playing too well.