For the first time since 1928/29, Fitzroy Doncaster and Melbourne University will clash in the Victorian Premier Cricket Grand Final. Starting at 11.00am on Easter Saturday at the Albert Ground, the match will feature the strong Lions batting line-up against the explosive attack of Melbourne University.

With the likes of skipper Brendan Joyce (898 runs), David Plumpton (898) and Rob Bartlett (778) in their team, Fitzroy Doncaster possess one of the most prolific batting line-ups seen for many years. They will be tested however by the strength of the Melbourne University attack, spearheaded by former Bushranger Ashley Robertson, who broke James Sutherland's club all-time wicket-taking record during the season. Supporting Robertson will be promising young paceman Brett Harrop, fresh from wrecking St.Kilda's middle order last week and the Students ever-consistent captain, Daniel Lowery.

Fitzroy Doncaster have not appeared in a VCA final since its triumph over Melbourne in 1993/94, whilst this is Melbourne University's seventh finals appearance in the past 12 seasons. The match is sure to be a memorable one, with both sides fitting contestants.

MATCH DETAILS

TEAMS:

Fitzroy Doncaster: BA Joyce (c), RA Bartlett, SG Helmot, DA McNees, LR Mash, DR Plumpton, CS Reidy, JP Renkin, RJ Sacristani, CBD Street, JL Travaglia, BJ Waterman, AR Williams

Melbourne University: DW Lowery (c), HP Birrell, TJ Grant, BD Harrop, MD Hotton, TWH Irvine, BR Joseland, JE Lusk, BF Murphy, PA Percy, APS Robertson

DATE: SATURDAY 30, SUNDAY 31 MARCH & MONDAY 1 APRIL 2002 (Reserve Day, Tuesday 2 April)

VENUE: ALBERT GROUND

HOURS OF PLAY: 11.00am – 5.40pm (Sat), 10.00am – 4.40pm (Sun & Mon)

UMPIRES: GEOFF MORROW & BOB PARRY (Emergency: Richard Patterson)

PLAYING CONDITIONS: Ordinary conditions three-day match. Should a first innings result not be attained by stumps on Monday, play will continue on Tuesday. If the innings result is still not attained by stumps on Tuesday, the match shall be declared a draw and the higher ranked team after the Qualifying Finals will declared Premiers. Minimum 100 overs per day. A new ball is available after 80 overs.

OTHER FINALS

2nd XI: RICHMOND v GEELONG at the Junction Oval

3rd XI: MELBOURNE v PRAHRAN at Melbourne University

4th XI: MELBOURNE v RINGWOOD at Camberwell

© 2002 Victorian Cricket Association