Rupertswood has hit form at the right time in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield District First competition.
While one of the top sides all season, Rupo has taken it up a notch in recent weeks.
Rupo won the top of the table clash with St Anthonys in the previous round then found another level on Saturday, making a massive 8-356 against Gisborne.
Daniel Kavanagh made 77, while John Lane and Alex Bond both made half centuries. Jordan Curran and Bert Van Den Heuvel scored 40s.
Daniel Nolan took a hat trick for Gisborne, but was expensive going for 4-90 off his 13 overs.
Rupo president Peter Kavanagh said things were falling into place.
“The runs are being hit at the right time,” he said.
“It’s a bonus that it’s several players making runs, in finals you really can’t leave it to one or two players.
“Piz [coach Andrew Pizaro] has been working on that side of things for a long time.
“There’s a real good buzz around the club.”
Photo Gallery: Rupertswood vs Gisborne
Kavanagh said it was good to see some of the younger players such as Alex Bond, Max Howell and Daniel Kavanagh come through.
“Alex is one of the young guys that really takes things on board,” he said.
“Max is another one. They are both in year 12 and they are hopefully hitting form at the right time.
“That’s the first 50 Daniel has scored in a long time.”
It was a good day off field for Rupo on Saturday as well, with the club holding a reunion for three of its premiership sides.
A win this week would all but assure Rupo of the minor premiership. Only a St Anthonys or Riddell outright win would prevent that.
Kavanagh said they didn’t expect to be in this position when, at the start of the season, they made the decision to drop down a division.
“Things have panned out well. Piz has had a ripper of a season and John Lane has been really good as well.
“Jordie Curran has batted really well.
“Hopefully Piz can steer the side through the next couple of weeks.”
Even if Rupo claims the premiership, they won’t go back up into the top grade. The GDCA has ruled that Rupertswood and Riddell, which also dropped down a division this season, won’t be able to go back up for three years.
Kavanagh said they weren’t happy with the decision but had accepted it.
“It gives us an opportunity to grow and the young kids are only going to get better.”
In other matches, Eynesbury Eagles might finally get their first win of the season, having made 9-295 against Riddell.
St Anthonys made 7-304 from its overs against Bacchus Marsh.
East Sunbury is hoping to finish its season on a high against Ashfield after making 8-234.
