Wednesday's cruel Ryobi Cup final loss to Queensland has hit Victoria's hard, with the Bushrangers struggling to comprehend the nail-biting defeat.
Chasing 147 from 32 overs in a classic rain-shortened match at the MCG, the Vics needed five runs from the last seven deliveries.
The Bulls, however, then took 3-2 to seal a pulsating two-run victory and hand Victoria a fifth loss in six finals across the past seven seasons.
But past defeats were irrelevant for Cameron White, who was a shattered skipper when he faced reporters after the match.
"I don't think you can be hurting any more than I am hurting right now," White said.
"Like this one, you live with the losses you've had previously as well.
"It's a bitter pill to swallow at the moment."
The bowler-friendly conditions meant Victoria's run chase was always a lot tougher than it appeared as the never-say-die Bulls reduced Victoria to 4-42 in the 13th over.
White then combined with Peter Handscomb for a 63-run stand that triggered one of the match's numerous momentum swings.
Tailender Clint McKay had seemingly delivered a knockout blow to the Bulls by smashing two huge sixes in the closing overs. That had the Bushrangers team jumping for joy on the sidelines.
But forgotten Test paceman Ryan Harris was the hero for Queensland, removing McKay and Fawad Ahmed with consecutive balls.
"In the end, we got into more than a winning position, really," White said.
"We just didn't have someone to grab the game and win it. We didn't have individuals to step up and grab it by the scruff of the neck.
"That's basically where it is."
Sent in to bat, Queensland had battled for 20.1 overs before rain tumbled down at 3.48pm with Queensland on the back foot at 4-69.
But despite the strong standing at that stage, White said the Vics had not bowled well at the start of the match and conceded too many sundries - 21 for the innings.
"Tonight was just about getting the ball in the right area enough," he said.
"You saw the pitch had plenty of life in it ... it was under covers, two brand-new balls.
"We weren't able to do that well enough and Queensland did that very well."
White remained humble in defeat, praising counterpart James Hopes and Queensland's coach Darren Lehmann.
Queensland cricket teams now hold each of domestic cricket's three titles.
"They're proving a pretty lethal combination in the competition," White said.
"What's happened throughout the season doesn't count for much today, especially in our position. They outplayed us on our own turf.
"It's very disappointing."
First Posted 28 February, 2013 11:00AM AEST
