After some trials and tribulations, finals time has arrived for the Gisborne District Cricket Association’s 2021-2022 season.
The experimental ‘Final 6’ for McIntyre Cup and Johnstone Shield teams unfold with qualifying finals this Saturday afternoon.
Straight first and second semi-finals are scheduled in most of the other grades.
The GDCA executive, headed by president Rob McIntyre, congratulates all clubs/teams which are playing finals.
Saturday’s final home and away round on Saturday was hit hard by wet grounds and intermittent and at times very heavy rain, so much so that all five matches in McIntyre Cup were drawn, leaving the ladder unchanged.
Ladder-leader Sunbury United and reigning premier Bacchus Marsh meet in one qualifying final; it could go either way.
Romsey (fourth) is at home to Wallan and coach Ben Way believes the Redbacks have the talent and desire to step up when it matters; Gisborne, armed with matchwinners in Mick Allen, Jason Wilson and Paddy McKenna, should have little trouble in overcoming sixth-placed Diggers Rest/Bulla at Gardiner Reserve.
RIDDELL SNEAKS IN
Riddell made a dramatic last-minute entrance into the Johnstone Cup finals by defeating Aintree in the last over of the day.
Chasing 9/193 c.c., the Bombers knocked up 4/196 with the winning runs coming off the last over of the day.
Ladder leader Macedon face up to Bacchus Marsh, Romsey take on Riddell at the Romsey No. 2 oval, and Aintree play Gisborne.
Jensen Shield: Lancefield play St Anthonys at Tigerland, and top side Bacchus Marsh take on Blackwood in the other semi-final.
Division 2: It’s Rupertswood v Kyneton at Salesian College, and Malmsbury v Macedon in the other semi-final.
Division 3: Eynesbury face up to fourth placed Hanging Rock, and Melton Centrals play Wallan.
In Club North, it’s a Romsey versus Macedon grand final at Gilbert Gordon Oval in Woodend.
The scheduled Romsey v Lancefield semi-final was a washout without a ball being bowled, but Macedon scored 3/189 c.c. (Wayne Brundell 73, Steve Grey 68) then dismissed Kyneton for 123 (John Ewels 3-23, Max Den Dryer 3-23).
Club South: Both semi-finals were draws (no play) with Sunbury United and Diggers Rest/Bulla advancing to this weekend’s grand final.
