A stunning Jakson Knight performance has guided Gisborne to a strong win in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup.
Having made 150 not out in the Dragons innings of 5-306 on day one against Romsey, he then turned destroyer with the ball in the final session of the day.
In the space of 60 minutes, Knight bowled 10 overs taking 6-23, equalling the total number of wickets he took last season.
Dragons coach Glenn Waites said he had never seen a performance like that before.
“In my entire time in cricket, I’ve never seen anyone make 150 and then take six wickets,” he said.
“He’s a handy bowler but didn’t bowl much last season as he was managing an injury. Jarryd [Vernon] had been waiting for the right time to bring him on.
“It was a great bit of captaincy.
“The game was starting to flatline and it brought it back to life.”
Knight took Romsey’s last six wickets, to help the Dragons bowl them out for 216.
Waites said even before the brilliant spell from Knight, the winless Romsey didn’t look like getting close.
“They needed more than five runs an over even before tea,” he said.
“There was some really good bowling from our guys.”
Damien Devlin top-scored for Romsey with 58. After a slow start to the season, the Dragons have won their past two matches with strong batting and bowling performances.
“The week before we chased down the total with one wicket down, before some guys tried to have some batting practice,” Waites said.
“This week we made 306 with a lot of contributions and guys making starts. I was talking to Jarryd on the way home and we’ve got bowlers for most situations.”
Waites said the mood around the club was very upbeat with no sign of complacency after two straight first and second XI premierships.
“People are enjoying their cricket and it’s starting to gel all together. The culture at the club even before I got here is a strong work ethic.
“They’re asking me to do extra training sessions. There’s five players out of last season’s team and quite a few out of the seconds, so people want the opportunities.
“There’s home-grown youth and a buzz around the club.”
In other results, Lancefield got its first win of the season, defeating Sunbury United.
Defending 189, the Tigers bowled United out for 170. Samuel Taylor and Matthew Bowden took four wickets each.
Rupertswood’s total of 139 wasn’t enough, with Bacchus Marsh making the runs with ease. Woodend got the job done against Sunbury, winning by 38 runs, while a Cameron Moran century guided Riddell to victory against Diggers Rest Bulla.
Bacchus Marsh and Riddell both remain unbeaten.
