Gisborne has produced its best batting performance of the season as it looks to secure a finals spot in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup.
With six sides still battling it out heading into the final round, the battle between second-placed Dragons and third-placed Sunbury is vital in determining which sides will make the finals.
The Dragons fired on all cylinders on Saturday as they made 7-306 off their 80 overs.
Six players scored 20 or more, with Riley Vernon (70) and Simon Harman (42) putting on 107 for the first partnership. This was backed up throughout the order, with Beau Valka and Jason Wilson both scoring half centuries.
Playing coach Harman said it was the first time the side had batted to its potential.
He’s the first to admit the side has been inconsistent, especially with the bat.
“When we’ve been good, we’ve been really good, and then other times we’ve been pretty ordinary,” he said. “We’ve got quite a settled line-up now and have continuity in the side, which does help.”
Among those who’ve settled in are young stars Roby Lane and Riley Vernon, both of whom also play in the under-17 competition.
Vernon is 11th best run-maker for the season in the McIntyre Cup. In under-17s, he’s averaging 113, while Lane has taken 20 wickets in the top grade.
“That’s the best I’ve seen Riley bat, and he’s more than capable of making runs,” Harman said of Saturday’s performance.
“Roby has been super. He’s taken to it like duck to water … they’ll both probably move to cricket down town in the next few years.”
Despite making 300, Harman said Gisborne needs to ensure the foot doesn’t come off the pedal. Finals could rest on bonus points, which got them a home final last season and, ultimately, the title.
While Gisborne’s finals spot looks more likely, Sunbury’s is under serious threat. Fifth-placed Bacchus Marsh, which is less than three points behind Sunbury, has already claimed first innings points against Rupertswood.
The Bulls bowled Rupertswood out for 61 and then they did the damage with the bat, finishing day one on 2-213.
Riddell also had a day out with the bat, against sixth-placed Woodend. The Bombers, looking to seal the minor premiership, made 7-302.
Haydn Ross top-scored with 77 before being run out, while Mick Allen made 65.
In the other matches, fourth-placed Diggers Rest Bulla made 193 against bottom side Romsey.
Ryan Peters made 76, before becoming one of Taylor Stevenson’s five wickets.
