It’ll be a thrilling finish to the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup regular season.
Throughout, coaches have said this is the closest they’ve seen the competition, and results have proved this true.
With only 12 points separating first through to sixth, the battle for a finals berth is not just dependent on wins, but on runs and wickets made right into the final round.
Woodend was the big loser in the weekend’s second last round, after a thrilling two-run loss to Bacchus Marsh. With both sides fighting for a finals spot, a win was ever so important.
The Bulls had the runs on the board, having made 9-236 on day one. Woodend started well and, at 3-129, looked to be on track to match their opposition.
But two quick wickets slowed Woodend down, even though there was plenty of experience there to ensure they stayed in the game until the end.
Woodend got to within 11 runs of victory when its ninth wicket fell.
The equation got down to three runs off the final ball, and Josh Eastley was run out trying to get that winning trio.
Michael Nalesnyik top-scored with 54 at the top of the order.
The loss leaves Woodend in sixth place heading into the final round, with a date with ladder-leaders Riddell yet to come.
On the other hand, the win keeps Bacchus Marsh in the finals hunt, sitting fifth in the lead-up to the final round.
Diggers Rest Bulla was the big winner at the weekend, moving back into the top four after securing victory against a struggling Sunbury.
Defending 179, the Burras bowled Sunbury out for just 146. Darren Quarrell was a destroyer with the ball, taking 8-54 off 22.4 overs.
The Burras were 2-38 in their second innings.
Sunbury, after losing its three previous games, slipped from first to third in that period, and could miss the finals – if it losses to second-placed Gisborne in the final round.
With nearly a 10-point gap on fifth-placed Bacchus Marsh, Riddell has all but sealed its finals spot after its seventh straight win.
Only an outright victory by one of the sides outside the top four, and a big loss, could possibly see them miss finals.
Facing the bottom side, the Bombers made 253 in reply to Romsey’s 143. Mick Allen top-scored with 85, his sixth 50 of the McIntyre Cup season.
Heath Wadden chipped in with 67. Romsey skipper Chris Burkett took 5-84.
Gisborne moved to second spot on the ladder after victory over Rupertswood.
Chasing 135, the Dragons made the runs before declaring at 8-142 to send Rupertswood back in.
Dragons’ playing coach Simon Harman top-scored with 62 not out.
Rupertswood was held at 5-95.
While the top six sides battle for finals berths, there’s just as much on the line for Rupertswood and Romsey in the final round.
Both sides are trying to avoid finishing last and being relegated for next season.
Just under three points separates the sides heading into the final round, when Rupertswood plays Bacchus Marsh, and Romsey faces Diggers Rest Bulla.
