Simpson rapt with Bulls

New Queensland skipper Chris Simpson, in charge for his first Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield match at the Gabba, was left grinning from ear to ear after the Bulls completed a remarkable 48-run win over Tasmania on Sunday.

The Bulls were routed for just 62 in their second innings, Queensland's fourth-lowest Shield total ever, but managed to claim a plucky outright victory on the back of a first innings lead of 130.

But a first innings lead of any kind was a notable achievement in itself.

The home side was well and truly staggering at 4-13 and then 8-91 in its first dig before Chris Swan and Chris Hartley came together to post a 135-run ninth-wicket stand.

It was one of many shifts in momentum throughout the peculiar game, and while Simpson admitted the match was a bizarre one, he paid tribute to the never-say-die mentality that his troops displayed.

"That's what we spoke about in the off-season, to try and develop the aura that the rugby league State of Origin team have, backs against the wall and regardless of the situation, being able to pack some punches and win," he said.
"That's a tribute to the faith and belief that 'Tank' (coach Trevor Barsby) has installed in us and hopefully it's a new beginning."
Queensland's top order failed to fire in either innings, but those concerns were far from Simpson's mind as he enjoyed a healthy start to his career as full-time captain.

"I don't really care about that, given the way that last year panned out for us."

"The swing bowling yesterday (day two) was something we hadn't faced in a very long time, it was too good for us."

The Bulls have already equaled their total number of outright wins from last season and Simpson believed the gutsy victory would have interstate rivals sitting up and taking notice of last season's wooden spooners.

"Given we think we've got a very strong batting line-up which did absolutely nothing this match and we got a good win on the board I think that's going to produce a lot of chills around the place in other teams."
"It will also give us faith, we know we've got some quality in our ranks and they will perform."

The Bulls play two Ford Ranger Cup matches this week before they get a chance to see just how far they've come in the first-class arena when they take on last season's finalist Victoria at the Gabba in a match starting on October 21.