The equation is simple this week for Gisborne in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup – win and play finals.
Lose and the Dragons finals hopes will come down Romsey and its result against Bacchus Marsh.
The Dragons started the final round 0.04 points behind fourth-placed Romsey, with both sides facing teams inside the top four.
After day one against third-placed Woodend, Dragons coach Glenn Waites said the match was evenly poised. A win would mean the Dragons go above Woodend.
“We have to win, or hope that we lose better than Romsey,” Waites said.
“The Woodend ground is quite quick and I would say the 239 is about par, but we’ve got the runs on the board.
“It’s a good score, but not a great score.
“We know we need to bowl well to get the win.”
The Dragons made 239, bowled out in the final over of the day.
Callum Jackson, in just his third McIntyre Cup match for the season, top scored with 54.
Greg Matthews took four wickets for Woodend.
Skipper Jarryd Vernon and opening bowler Darcy Nolan are both missing this game.
“We’ve got a few younger guys who are starting to really find that line and length and helping spread the load,” Waites said.
“Matt McDonald has taken huge leaps forward and took a five wicket haul, while Joel Garbutt is ready to take the next step with both his batting and bowling.
“Braden Spear has been far more consistent with the ball and looking threatening.
“We’ve also got Jakson Knight back after he missed last week. If we bowl well we should come out on top, so I’m looking forward to seeing how we go.”
Waites said if they can make the finals, anything can happen.
The Dragons finished third last season and went on to claim a second straight premiership.
The Dragons would be happy after looking at the scores of the Bacchus Marsh and Romsey match after day one.
The Bulls, having already claimed the minor premiership, are well in control. They made 324, before having Romsey in trouble at 2-4 at stumps.
Sunbury is 2-110 in reply to Lancefield’s 140, with Heath Boffey 77 not out.
Riddell is in control against Sunbury United. The Bombers, needing a win to finish second, are 3-73 in reply to United’s 143.
In the other match, Diggers Rest Bulla is 3-47 chasing Rupertswood’s 156.
