Tara Murray
It was the Jarryd Vernon show on Saturday for Gisborne as it accounted for Woodend in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
Vernon made a massive 178 as the Dragons made 9-279 from their overs in hot conditions at Gardiner Reserve.
The innings, which is Vernon’s highest ever, came off 106 balls and included 18 fours and 10 sixes.
Dragons president Andrew Headberry said this sort of performance had been brewing all season.
“I’m not surprised,” he said.
“The minute he returned this season he had been building and it was only a matter of time he made a big score.
“He’s in such good form.”
Vernon leads the competition for runs this season, with 506 runs at an average of 126.50. He also sits fifth in wickets taken, having taken 12 for the season.
Headberry said that Vernon, a premiership winning star with the club, had become a better player after spending a couple of seasons with Spotswood in the Victorian Turf and Victorian Sub-District cricket associations.
“He has been able to develop his game,” he said.
“He was a really good player in this competition. Two years against some better opposition, he now knows his game better and is more mature.
“It doesn’t matter who is bowling at the other end, he’s stepped up and hopefully he can keep going.
“It’s a delight to watch.”
Vernon’s innings helped his side to another win. Woodend was bowled out for 202 with Warren Else top scoring with 74 not out.
The Dragons sit atop the ladder, undefeated after 11 rounds.
Headberry said they were happy with how things were tracking this season.
“Mick Allen has not played a big part with the bat this season yet,” he said.
“Some of the young guys are standing up, which is a good thing for the future.”
The Dragons are set for a big few weeks, facing the other four sides in the top five in the remaining matches.
Having had washouts in many of the first round match ups, Headberry said they were keen to test out where they really sit.
Meanwhile, the Dragons second XI had a tie against Riddell in the Johnstone Shield.
Headberry, who played in the game, said it was a weird feeling to have the teams finish on 218 apiece.
