By Tara Murray
It was the cruellest of ends to the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield season for East Sunbury on Sunday.
After finishing third, the Thunder travelled to face Eastern Hill in a semi final on the weekend with a grand final spot on the line.
It was the Thunder which was in control after day one of the match as it did the damage with the ball.
But constant rain on Sunday ended the Thunder’s hopes without pulling out the bat. There was no play on Sunday and Eastern Hill progressed through to the grand final in its first season in the competition as the highest ranked team.
Thunder coach Chris Watson said it was a tough way to finish the season.
“It’s pretty average,” he said. “We were excellent in the heat bowling to get through the day and had a big opportunity to get it done chasing 145.
“It’s disappointing the weather got to us.”
Watson said they were still trying to start on time, before rain fell just before the start of day two action to put a halt of proceedings.
It stopped before another downpour about 2.30pm before it stopped raining, Unfortunately the run ups were wet and ended any chance of play.
The disappointment comes after a strong day one with the ball from the Thunder.
Eastern Hill decided to bat and found the going tough. It finished day one at 8-145.
Hammad Rashid took four wickets for the Thunder.
Watson said they were thrilled with how they bowled.
“It was really good,” he said. “We only used four bowlers in the heat.”
Having not made finals last season, Watson said this season was definitely an improvement.
He said there were some mixed feelings about the season and what they could have got out of it.
“We have improved as a group,” he said. “There was a couple of places throughout the year that let us down.
“We could have finished in the top two rather than third and been in the box seat. We definitely had the group to win it, but we didn’t play our best at times and we finished third.”
Watson said the group would use the disappointment as motivation for next season.
The coach though is stepping down.
“I can’t continue due to work commitments,” Watson said. “I’m stepping away and we’ll have a new coach and hopefully some more numbers in the group, who can take us back to McIntyre.”
Eastern Hill will face Wallan in the grand final.
The Magpies sealed their spot with a big win against Aintree.
Aintree was bowled out for 100, with the Magpies finishing 1-102 to seal the job on day one and avoid the weather drama.
Ryan Cumberland made 70 for Wallan to help guide it into the grand final.
