Tara Murray
Gisborne put the demons of last season to bed, making it through to the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup grand final.
Just like 12 months ago, the Dragons entered the semi final with Sunbury United as favourites but this time there would be no upset.
The Dragons fought hard with the bat to set a competitive total, before their experienced bowlers made sure of the win on Sunday.
Captain Jarryd Vernon said there was a lot of relief to have made it through to the final game of the season.
“It’s a pretty good feeling actually,” he said. “We missed out last year in the same game in the semis.
“It was good to bounce back with a strong performance by the boys under a little bit of pressure.”
The Dragons were sent in on their home deck and were in a little bit of trouble at 4-81.
Enter Vernon, who delivered a skipper’s knock, to help guide the side to 236 with the side bowled out with six overs remaining.
Vernon made 113.
Vernon said while the score was a little bit under par, anything more than 200 was always going to be a good challenge.
“It was a little bit under par, they bowled well,” he said. “To fight it out… and gives ourselves a chance.
“I came in when we were in a little bit of trouble and I had to dig in. It was nice to bat well and help put the team into the final.”
Senura Perera took 5-55 for United.
Vernon said the focus during the week had been to start well with the ball. They executed it perfectly.
“It was a really good start,” he said. “We wanted to take early wickets and we haven’t done that since before Christmas.
“It was a vocal point and two of the best fast bowlers in the competition, Jay King and Leigh Brennan destroyed them early, having them 4-7.
“We were pretty much in control of the game after that which was nice. It allows the younger kids to settle in.”
United fought hard behind skipper Upul Fernando, who made 82, but fell well short, bowled out for 169.
Brennan finished with 5-55 off his 26 overs.
Vernon said there had been a lot of hunger to get back into the final game of the season.
“So much can change in 12 months,” he said. “We looked to bring in a bit more experience this year.
“Not losing a game, there’s been lots of positive performances. We had a good training block this week and we’re excited to see who we play next week.”
A cracking grand final has been set up, with reigning premiers Romsey sneaking home against the Sunbury Kangaroos.
Like the Dragons, Romsey hasn’t lost a game this season, with the one match between the two sides ending in a draw due to weather.
Vernon said the grand final would be a cracker of a game.
“It’s been the two best teams all year,” he said. “It’ll be a cracking contest.”
