A masterful unbeaten 196 from just 151 deliveries by Gisborne’s quality opener Mick Allen highlighted the McIntyre Cup one-day round on Saturday.
Allen hit eight sixes and 22 fours against Rupertswood at Gardiner Reserve as the Dragons compiled a formidable 3/291 c.c. from 45 overs. Surely one of the most outstanding innings of all time in the GDCA.
Experienced umpire and life member Mick Jensen had a bird’s eye view from the centre of the ground, and said it was a flawless knock.
“He batted superbly, taking heavy toll of any loose deliveries, and playing the good ones on their merits,” Jensen said.
“There were too many short deliveries, and they were punished.”
Allen and Gisborne skipper Jason Wilson, who made 62, added 207 for the second wicket.
With two balls remaining, Allen played the team game and took a single, denying a chance to hit a six off the last ball to bring up a double hundred.
For nearly 20 years Allen, who lives at Riddell, was a run machine in District and Sub-District cricket, compiling thousands of runs.
He has the unique distinction of winning the Ryder Medal (with Carlton) for the top District player, the Hatch Shield with Melton (Sub-District), and the Sullivan Medal In the GDCA with Gisborne.
At the age of 35, he joined Riddell in 2016-17 then was later recruited by Gisborne, with president Andrew Headberry and senior coach Gavin Mackay praising him for his input since becoming a Dragon.
“He has had a massive influence at the club and is truly invaluable,” MacKay said some time ago.
Certainly opposition sides are always pleased to see him walking back to the pavilion early in an innings.
The 196 not out was Allen’s highest score ever – his previous best was 183.
Rupertswood batted out 45 overs to reach 5/142 by stumps.
EASY FOR ROMSEY
Romsey outclassed Wallan by dismissing the visitors for 130 (S. Whittingham 50 – Jake East 3-14,Taylor Stevenson 3-29) then rattling up 1/131 (Stevenson 66 not out, Sean Day 40) in 30.3 overs.
At Gilbert Gordon Oval, Woodend kept finals hopes alive by dismissing Diggers Rest – Bulla for 181 (R. Rayraiake 51) and replying with 6/184 (Hamish McDonald 57 nit out, Harry Lawson 29).
Ladder-leader Sunbury United compiled 204, and a tight attack accounted for Sunbury Kangaroos, and restricted Sunbury Kangaroos to a losing score, while defending premier Bacchus Marsh’s 6/198 c.c. proved too much for East Sunbury 6/138.
