Victoria beats Queensland for Sheffield Shield

Victoria are the Sheffield Shield cricket champions for the 2009-10 season after beating Queensland by 457 runs in the final at the MCG today.

The Bushrangers were virtually assured of capturing the title when they batted Queensland out of the match over the third and fourth days, as they only needed a draw after finishing top of the table.

They set the Bulls 640 to win and bowled them out for 182 halfway through the fifth and final day.

Legspinner Bryce McGain took 4-70 and paceman John Hastings 3-25, including wickets with his final two deliveries.

Only Lee Carseldine, with 75, and wicketkeeper Chris Hartley (29 not out) showed any resistance.

Victoria's title was their 28th overall and their second in succession, although last season's final against the Bulls was drawn.

This is the first time in three decades Victoria have claimed back-to-back titles.

Queensland's defeat, which included a late collapse of 5-27, was the biggest in a fourth-innings runchase in a shield final.

After an even first two days, Victoria took a 48-run lead on the first innings and then turned the game firmly their way through an opening stand of 154 between Rob Quiney and Nick Jewell.

Their partnership was the launch pad for a huge second innings for Victoria, who amassed 8-591 before declaring.

- AAP