Tara Murray
East Sunbury is through to its first second grade grand final since 2014-15 after a strong all round performance against Gisborne in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield semi final.
The form team in the back half of the season, the Thunder earned a home final with a convincing win against Gisborne.
The Thunder is looking to take out their second first XI premiership and first since 2009-10.
East Sunbury captain Lance Watts said the club was thrilled to have another shot at premiership success. He said he was a spectator at the club’s last grand final.
“It’s good for the club that is striving to have some success,” he said.
“We’re not done yet, we’re now one step closer to what we want to achieve.”
The Thunder bowled first and made it hard for the Dragons with the bat, restricting them to 8-134.
Watts said they would take that every day of the week and was thrilled with the bowling attack.
“It’s a great job on our ground,” he said.
“They pretty well shared it all round. I’ve got a lot of time for all of our bowling attack. Our opening bowlers Nathan Dent and Lachie [Brne] bowled well to start things.”
Hammad Rashid took three wickets for the Thunder.
Despite knowing they were on top after day one, Watts said they weren’t counting their chickens, with Gisborne having the runs on the board.
It was the worst start possible for the Thunder with Shannon McDorman going out first ball. They were able to steady and got the runs with ease, finishing on 3-135.
Watts said Steve Grey batted well making 42. Watts top scored with 62 not out.
The win means the Thunder will host Bacchus Marsh in the grand final at John McMahon Reserve next weekend.
Watts said they were expecting it to be a tough match.
The other semi final finished in a tie between Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury Kangaroos.
The Bulls progress through to the grand final being the higher ranked team.
