Tara Murray
Lancefield’s Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield season might have come to an end on Saturday, but there’s still plenty of good signs for the future.
After sneaking into the top four, the Tigers pushed minor premiers Aintree in their semi final, going down by 18 runs in the end.
Tigers coach Alan Sinclair said in the end they were just beaten by a better team.
“I thought we played pretty well,” he said. “I think when we went out we thought anything about 250 would be a good score.
“The last few overs of the innings we allowed them able to generate that score.”
Aintree finished 8-270 from its overs to put itself on top after the first half of the game.
Joel Regan was the pick of the bowlers for the Tigers, taking three wickets.
The Tigers got off to a good start in their run chase, putting on 57 for the first wicket.
They then lost two quick ones, before being able to steady.
The Tigers continued to fight but ultimately feel short, finishing 7-252.
Sinclair said had they known they would have made 252 at the start of the day, they would have taken it
Regan topped off a strong game making 76 off 58 balls to top score for the Tigers.
Sinclair said despite not making the final game of the season they would take some real positives out of the season.
“We had three teams at the club, we haven’t had three times in years,” he said. ”Our first team just snuck into finals which was good and the second XI played finals.
“We’ve got a lot of young players in the first team which we didn’t have when I was coming through.
“Harvey Lehner scored 42 not out in the final. He’s a 17-year-old kid and really stood above on Saturday.
Sinclair said they were hoping they could use this year as a building block to climb up the grades in the future. It was Sinclair’s first season as coach of the side.
“It[s really good to see from a club perspective,” he said. “Hopefully the next few years we can keep growing and keep playing well and climb the ranks into McIntyre one day.
Aintree will face St Anthony’s in the grand final after the Saints beat Melton South Royals in the other semi final.
The Royals were bowled out for just 89, with the Saints reaching the target four wickets down, finishing 4-90 in the 24th over.
