Tara Murray
Riley Vernon’s knock which guided Gisborne to an opening finals win in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup is one he will remember for a number of reasons.
Vernon made a massive 210 not out, the Dragons highest ever first XI individual score as the Dragons made 8-401 from their overs against Rupertswood.
Vernon’s innings could have been even bigger, but not for an ill-timed ramp shot. Batting without a helmet, Vernon hit the ball into his face with 10 overs to go.
Scans revealed a couple of fractures to the eye socket that require surgery.
Dragons president Andrew Headberry said Vernon’s innings was a pretty special one.
“He copped one in the face when he wasn’t wearing a helmet,” Headberry said.
“He had to go in the ambulance for scans and he wasn’t in a good way. He couldn’t remember much of the innings afterwards, but he is more alert today [Sunday] and talking about his innings which is good.”
Headberry said having made 400 mean they were always going to be in control of the match entering day two.
Andrew Pizaro was the pick of the bowlers for Rupertswood with five wickets.
“We were reasonably confident with 400,” Headberry said.
“We were really happy with that. When you look up and see that you’re needing 400 it’s always going to be a tough day for the Rupertswood boys.
“If they wanted to target us we just had to hold them out and get a few wickets.”
Ruperswood was bowled out for 229 with Daniel Kavangh top scoring with 72.
Spencer Jones, Jarryd Vernon and Leigh Brennan took three wickets each for the Dragons.
The win was a good way to return to form after losing their first game of the season in the final round.
Headberry said that may not have been the worst thing for the side.
“Losing in the final round might not have been a bad thing,” he said.
“We would rather have a loss then instead of in finals. It brought the guys back down to earth a little bit after being undefeated all year.”
The Dragons had two sides in grand finals on the weekend, Both their club south and club north teams suffered losses.
Headberry said they were proud of how both of those teams had played this season.
“They both had fantastic seasons,” he said. “They are our father-son and father-daughter teams and it was pretty special to get that far.
“There’s a lot of young kids. The father-daughter team is really special to the club.”
In the other McIntyre Cup finals, Bacchus Marsh knocked off Romsey.
The Bulls made 6-193 on day one before restricting Romsey to 171.
Sunbury United was too good for Diggers Rest Bulla.
United made 8-346 with Damien Edwards and Ashan Ranaweera both made 100s, after putting on more than 200 for the opening partnership.
The Burras managed to make 275, with lots of starts but no one going on to make a big score.
Gisborne will face lucky loser Romsey for a spot in the grand final, while Bacchus Marsh will play Sunbury United.
