Rupertswood has blasted its way to its biggest score of the season – and a grand final in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s B-grade competition.
Looking to capitalise on a form that only lost it two matches for the year, Rupertswood came out firing against Bacchus Marsh last weekend.
While Bruce Marshall’s wicket was lost for two, Rupertswood took control of the game from the start.
Rupertswood president Peter Kavanagh said the boys had worked hard during the week and were focused on getting on top early on.
“The boys didn’t want a repeat of previous years,” Kavanagh said. “John Lane had them really focused. Once we got off to a good start, the runs continued.
“A couple of guys probably sacrificed themselves to push the score up. We had wickets in hand, so we wanted to push to a competitive score.”
Rupertswood went on to make 8-303. Mark Ryan made 86, while Patrick Tyler made 65.
Kavanagh said the side was confident after the first day of the match it could get the win.
“Making 300 on our ground doesn’t happen often,” he said. “Our bowlers are the ones who normally do the job, and they did that on Sunday.
“It was just about bowling good line and length, and keeping the pressure on from the start.”
Bacchus Marsh was bowled out for 171. Aaron Forward and Brandon Webber took four wickets each.
Rupertswood will now play St Anthonys in the grand final after St Anthonys easily accounted for Wallan in their semi-final at the weekend.
Rupertswood and St Anthonys faced off in the final round of the regular season, with Rupertswood taking the points. St Anthonys won the early season match-up between the two by one run.
The grand final will be played at Rupertswood.
“I’m hoping the home ground advantage will get us across the line,” Kavanagh said.
Rupertswood’s senior side is one of three from the club to make it through to grand finals.
“The firsts, seconds and fifths are in the grand final,” Kavanagh said. “It’s an outstanding feeling around the club.
“To have the firsts and seconds side by side during the grand final is amazing for the club.”
