Tara Murray
It was the Vernon show as Gisborne claimed an important win against Sunbury United in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
After an up and down start to the season, the Dragons are showing why they were seen as one of the teams to beat in the off season.
Against the Bees, it was captain-coach Jarryd Vernon who got the job done with the ball on day one, before brother Riley Vernon starred with the bat on Saturday.
Jarryd said it was nice to put together a performance like they did.
“We definitely feel like we’re building and scoring to click,” he said. “It was nice to put 350 on the board against a really good bowling side.”
The Dragons needed 279 for victory on Saturday after the Bees made a solid 9-278 on day one.
All nine of those wickets were taken by Jarryd. He said it was a day that was hard to describe.
“The best I had was seven,” he said. “I’ve been trying to describe to people about it and I don’t even think it was one of those days.
“I couldn’t complain and I was happy to get nine and the boys backed me up in the field. I had two balls to get the last wicket and I tried everything.”
Jarryd took a back seat on Saturday, as Riley made 167 as the Dragons went on to make 6-351 off their 80 overs.
Jarryd said it was nice to see his brother continue his good form.
“I said to the boys afterwards that I was the best 100 I had seen him make,” he said. “With how hot it was and how tough the conditions were.
“The ground was slow and the younger guys stuck around with him. He made 95 the round before and had a few starts. I know he was happy getting a big 100.”
Harry Luxmoore finished with 65 not out for the Dragons as well.
Jarryd said it was good to see some of the other younger players stand up as well.
“Over the last few years we’ve had the younger guys who have so much talent,” he said. “Harry made 60 not out and 70 not out the round before.
“Spencer Jones is opening the batting and batted really well again.
“Matt Barake is another. They are doing a mountain of work at training and it’s good to see the last two weeks they are starting to string games together when a few of the older blokes aren’t making so many runs.”
The win moves the Dragons up to third on the ladder with some important bonus points as well.
Vernon said bonus points were important with how close the competition is.
The Dragons face another challenge this round, taking on an undefeated Woodend side.
“They’ve got some really good layers and some talented kids as well,” he said. “We’ve looking forward to the challenge and hopefully getting the job done.”
Rupertswood, Woodend and Broadford were the other winners on Saturday.
