Tara Murray
It wasn’t the ending Macedon were after but it was a still a successful season for the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield.
Aiming for a competitive season after being promoted back up into the second grade after winning the Jensen Shield last season, the Cats made it through to the grand final.
The Cats fell short against Romsey in the grand final.
Cats skipper Daniel Trotta said while it was a disappointing end to the season, they were thrilled with how the side stepped up this season.
“We had a pretty successful season in the firsts,” he said.
“Last time we played in the Johnstone Shield we didn’t have a great season. We just wanted to be competitive.
“We knew we had a pretty solid side, with most of the guys from last season coming back.”
The club had three men’s sides this season, all which made finals. With two boys under-17 sides, the Cats are headed in the right direction.
“Our juniors are healthy with two under-17 teams and three junior girls teams,” Trotta said.
“It certainly helps having two under-17 sides with having three senior teams. We had a number of them fill in early in the season when we had a few out with COVID.
“The juniors are more than capable. We had four play in the first XI. Our division 3 team was predominantly under-17s with a few dads.
“They all played their role.”
Trotta said they were hoping to build on the success of this season.
On top of their first XI team making the grand final, the club’s inaugural women’s side won the premiership, while their under-17s girls side finished runners-up.
“We had a pretty successful season in the firsts, hopefully it’s not to flush in the pan and next season we can be competitive again and go one better.
“We want to at least keep those three teams and maybe even add a fourth team if we can get numbers.”
