Tara Murray
It was the leaders that stood up for Gisborne when they were needed in the Dragons’ Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup semi final win against Bacchus Marsh.
The premier team of the competition all season, the Dragons were able to stand up to the pressure and perform when it was needed.
Dragons coach Gavin Mackay was very happy after the match.
“It was exciting to knock off last year’s premiers,” he said.
“It was really good and we’re blessed with a bit of batting depth.
“You never know what can happen in finals, but we live to fight another week.”
For the Dragons, they got off to a slow start with the bat and at 3-50 their innings could have gone either way.
Enter captain Jarryd Vernon and vice-captain Jason Wilson. The two would put on 136 for the fourth wicket partnership to put the side back in control.
Gisborne finished on 9-242.
Mackay said that partnership was the difference in the game.
“There wasn’t another partnership like that,” he said.
“We want to bat out our 80 overs, and at 3-50 something needed to happen.
“Two experienced players, our captain and vice-captain stood up.”
Vernon made 90, with Wilson making 62.
Mackay said on that pitch, a score of 240 was more like 280 and they were happy with the position they were in.
The key to the Bulls’ innings was captain James Lidgett. Their dominant player all year, a big score from him would see his side go a long way.
While Lidgett didn’t disappoint with 72, the Dragons got his wicket at a key time to halt momentum.
“He had 75 to 80 per cent of their score at one stage,” Mackay said.
“He batted really well and we were able to get him straight after tea.
“We were thinking things were looking good once we got him.”
The Bulls were bowled out for 169.
Vernon capped off a strong game taking four wickets, including that of Lidgett.
The grand final is the Dragons’ second in a row and fourth in five years.
Having lost to Bacchus Marsh last season in the decider, Mackay said it was nice to knock them out this year.
Just two players of last season’s grand final side, Vernon and Wilson, were part of the weekend’s win, showing the changes and depth in the club.
They will face Diggers Rest Bulla, after the Burras beat Sunbury United.
The Dragons will have some selection dilemmas with 13 players in the mix to be picked.
Corey Parrant missed this week after being involved in a car accident. Mackay said they were unsure whether he would play.
The Dragons’ second XI season is over after being knocked out by East Sunbury on the Johnstone Shield.
Mackay said they had a couple of injuries and players missing which didn’t help their cause.
