Sunbury United’s reign as a Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup powerhouse is over for now, with the club set to be relegated next season.
United won the premiership last season, its fourth in six attempts.
But the club has found the going a lot tougher this season, hurting from the loss of players and winning just three matches.
A final-round loss to Romsey consigned United to the ladder’s bottom rung and likely relegation. Only a Bacchus Marsh premiership in B-grade competition will prevent United from dropping down divisions.
Romsey skipper Chris Burkett ensured it wasn’t his team headed for the drop with his first century of the season.
Moving into the opening role, Burkett made 113 in his side’s 8-243, passing United’s day one total of 223.
The win moved Romsey to fifth on the ladder, putting it 17 points clear of United.
Woodend finished on top for a second successive year after a hard-fought win over Sunbury.
Defending day one’s 9-299, Woodend’s bowlers had a tougher time of it than they might have expected.
Sunbury put in a determined effort in falling only 10 runs short of victory, bowled out for 290.
Heath Boffey led the way with 71, with James Morley taking five wickets for Woodend, which will now host Diggers Rest Bulla at Gilbert Gordon Oval in the first week of finals.
The Burras enter the finals on the back of successive losses after going down to Gisborne on Saturday.
The Burras were on the back foot going into day two with the Dragons resuming at 2-34 chasing 108.
The Dragons easily acquired the necessary runs, going on to 8-200. Allrounder Clinton Young finished with a handy 57 not out.
The win was enough for the Dragons to secure a home final at Gardiner Reserve. They play Riddell, which has won just one of its past four matches.
On Saturday, Riddell suffered a shock loss to Bacchus Marsh, another side looking to avoid relegation.
The Bulls were set a target of 228 for victory, which proved nowhere near enough runs on the board for Riddell.
The Bulls finished their innings at 6-230 after 73 overs.
With three wickets, Matthew Darby was best of the bowlers for Riddell.
The Bulls finished the season in sixth and avoided relegation.
