Victoria's bid to host the Pura Cup cricket final was over virtually before it had even begun here today despite a dominant opening day against Western Australia.

The Bushrangers, bidding to host the final for the first time since they last lifted the trophy in 1990/91, reduced the Warriors to 8-164 at stumps on day one at the MCG to give themselves a chance of another outright win.

But the Vics came into the match not only needing to win outright to host next week's final against Queensland at the MCG but also needing the Bulls to miss out on first innings points in their final round match against New South Wales at the Gabba.

However, that dream fell apart when a five wicket haul by Adam Dale helped the Bulls rout the Blues for 140 before Queensland racked up 4-165 by stumps on day one at the Gabba today.

That means for the second successive season the Vics will travel to the Gabba for the final, where they have not won outright since 1983/84.

Last season the Bushrangers drew the final at the Gabba, giving the Bulls their second successive title.

Despite the disappointment of knowing a home final was out of reach, the Vics stuck to their task manfully today after Western Australian skipper Simon Katich and Marcus North combined for a 117 run third wicket stand to threaten Victoria's dominance.

The pair came together at 2-5 after Matthew Inness dismissed Warriors' openers Scott Meuleman and Mike Hussey in his first two overs. Both came courtesy of late outswingers and catches from Matthew Elliott at second slip with Elliott's effort to get rid of Meuleman a gem when he dived full length towards his left and took a one hander just above the ground.

It then took a dubious decision to break the Katich-North partnership. North was adjudged caught behind off Mick Lewis even though replays showed he had hit a full toss into the ground before it carried through to Bushrangers' keeper Peter Roach.

Then after Shaun Marsh, son of former Australian coach Geoff, fell for a duck to the part-time spin of Brad Hodge, Katich was run out for 78 thanks to a brilliant piece of fielding from Jason Arnberger.

Arnberger ran from deep square leg and produced a great throw to Roach which beat a diving Katich as he attempted a second run.

Katich did his chances of an Ashes berth no harm, passing the 1000 run mark for the season with today's knock giving him 1078 runs at 69.53.

The Warriors tail then offered little resistance but unfortunately for the Vics it mattered little as the Bulls had already assured themselves of home advantage for next Friday's final.

© 2001 AAP