The Ashfield first XI players experienced mixed emotions after their season came to an end in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association B-grade semi-finals.
There was disappointment – but there was also lots of positivity about the development of the playing group.
Ashfield avoided relegation at the end of last season only because the number of clubs in the B-grade competition was expanding to 10.
The development of the side from wooden spooner to finalist has president and first XI player Nathan Anderson thrilled with the season as a whole.
“We won five games as a club as a whole last season,” he said.
“This season, our top grade side won eight alone, so we made massive inroads.
“Our second side is through to the grand final. It’s the first time that’s happened in my eight years at the club.”
The first XI’s season came to an end at the hands of St Anthonys at the weekend.
Electing to bat, Ashfield was in trouble early on.
Eventually the team was bowled out 165, well short of the target the players had set themselves.
Anderson said they knew they didn’t have enough runs on the board.
It could have been worse if not for a late 50-run partnership between Anderson and Lachlan Read.
“You need almost 300 against them to feel comfortable,” he said.
“We were confident that we could get the runs as it’s a simple game and we were hopeful of going well.”
Ashfield needed early wickets to put the Saints on the back foot, but they failed to eventuate.
The Saints were 0-38 at stumps on day one.
Anderson said their bowling performance was much better on day two. They had a glimpse of hope when they took 4-10 as the Saints slipped to 4-54.
That would be the end of the wickets, with the Saints finishing 4-169 to claim the win.
Ashfield shared the wickets around.
The Saints will play Wallan in the grand final, after the Magpies beat Eynesbury.
The Magpies made 254, then restricted the Eagles to 210.
Ashfield’s second XI will play St Anthonys in the E-grade grand final.
Ashfield, which claimed the minor premiership, made 9-238 from its overs before restricting Bacchus Marsh to 180.
“This is massive for the club,” Anderson said. “They are up and about and excited for what’s ahead of them next weekend.”
