An all-round effort by Mitchell Starc was not enough to stop Queensland claiming a 50-run, bonus-point one-day cup win over New South Wales and extending its winning season start to eight straight games at the Gabba on Sunday.
The Blues were bowled out for 171 in the 44th over as the Bulls ensured they were undefeated in all formats in 2011-12 - a run that includes four straight one-day victories.
It pales in comparison to other Brisbane-based teams.
Queensland Firebirds went through the season undefeated to win the 2011 trans-Tasman netball championship.
A-League champions Brisbane Roar have equalled Australian club sport's record of 35 unbeaten games.
But the Bulls' run has them on track to collect some silverware this season under new coach Darren Lehmann.
"You see teams like Brisbane Roar marching down the mall with the trophy - that's where we want to be," Queensland's top-scorer Chris Lynn (61) said.
"That inspires you. You want to hold the trophy up, that's why I play the game."
Queensland pulled off a convincing win - but it was not without controversy.
Ben Rohrer (14) was an unhappy man after he was run out in the 12th over as New South Wales slumped to 4 for 32.
Sent back by non-striker Steven Smith, a diving Rohrer appeared to be accidentally impeded by bowler Ben Cutting (2 for 42) before being caught short by a James Hopes (2 for 29) direct hit.
It went to third umpire Paul Reiffel and was given out.
But a livid Rohrer only left the field after a lively debate between players and both umpires.
"I felt getting back to the crease I was impeded," Rohrer later told Fox Sports.
"And looking at the replays now he (Cutting) changed his course a fair bit."
Chasing 222 for victory, the Blues slumped to 3 for 11 when Simon Katich (1) was caught behind off Cutting and they never recovered, despite the best efforts of Moises Henriques (38) and Steven Smith (34).
A 42-run ninth wicket stand by Starc (34 not out and 5 for 39) and debutant quick Josh Lalor (13) delayed the inevitable.
Earlier, left-arm quick Starc helped New South Wales bowl Queensland out for 221 by the 49th over.
A 93-run, fifth-wicket stand by Lynn and Nathan Reardon (50) helped the Bulls post a competitive total after slumping to 4 for 57 in the 15th over.
The visitors' cause was not helped by captain Stephen O'Keefe leaving the field with an injured hand in the 28th over of Queensland's innings.
AAP
Tags: cricket, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, sydney-2000, nsw, australia First posted November 20, 2011 21:39:00
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