Before the current McIntyre 1sts cricket season began, few could predict the Woodend versus Gisborne match could be labelled as ‘Clash of the Season’.
Gisborne opening batter Riley Vernon hit up a match-winning 167 for the Dragons on Saturday, and Woodend captain Marcus Stewart scored 121 to ensure his side comfortably accounted for Romsey to remain unbeaten on top of the ladder.
This sets the stage for some unpredictable cricket over the next two Saturdays at Gilbert Gordon Oval.
There’s plenty at stake in what has been a very interesting season to date.
Stewart said his side had plenty of keen contributors, and would be out to build on its performances this season.
“Our players have really put in … we bowled well to dismiss Romsey for 231 and were confident of chasing down this score. We hadn’t beaten them for several years.”
Stewart singled out 19-year-old all-rounder Harrison Sheahan for special praise.
Promoted as a makeshift opener, Sheahan was unfazed and scored 59 (seven fours) to help his captain add a vital 117 runs for the second wicket.
“We wanted to preserve our wickets, and knew the runs would come later,” Stewart said.
The Woodsmen cruised to victory with just four wickets down, then continued on to score 311 to build up bonus points.
Excess heat and the quick surface made it hard for Romsey, now back in fourth position after the completion of five rounds. Ten bowlers were used.
Stewart’s 121 included 16 boundaries, and he said the retention of relatively young cricketers was paying off for the club.
ONE VERNON, THEN THE OTHER
The undoubted cricketing talents of captain-coach Jarryd Vernon and younger brother Riley are well recognised, but the match against Sunbury United will go down in history.
Firstly, Jarryd captured an astounding 9-84, believed to be an all-time bowling record for the Dragons, then Riley followed up with 167 to follow on from his 95 in the previous round.
Riley’s big tally from 209 balls included 12 fours and three sixes against the multi-pronged United attack.
He was the fourth batter dismissed with the score on 281, ahead of United’s respectable 9/278 c.c..
Matt Barake 35 and Harry Luxmore an unbeaten 65 no doubt impressed Gisborne selectors.
The final tally was a very healthy 6/351.
The Dragons have lost two matches, to Romsey and Rupertswood, and believe they can make a realistic bid for another premiership this season.
So go along to Gilbert Gordon this Saturday to see what unfolds.
Chasing a first win, Macedon was in the box seat when Rupertswood slumped to 6/65 in pursuit of 187.
Second-placed Rupo has been resilient all season, and this time a century-plus seventh-wicket stand between Cameron Bruce 71 and Jake Howell 48 frustrated the Cats.
Cam Howlett 4-54 and Alex Browne 4-61 (28 overs) had the best figures for Macedon, who play at Broadford this round.
James Ingham scored an unbeaten 101 from 94 balls for Broadford in a winning tally of 7/306 against Sunbury Kangaroos.
Macedon veteran Chris Axton scored a whirlwind 120 (17 fours, five sixes) from 91 balls against Sunbury United in McIntyre 2nds, and Kilmore’s Chris Partridge made an unbeaten 117 against East Sunbury in the same grade.
Wallan’s Archie Moore scored 103 before retiring, but his side was beaten by Riddell in Jensen 1sts.
Nikola Cox took 5/37 for Malmsbury in her side’s Jenson 2nds win against Lancefield on Sunday.
The women’s Kookaburra matches on Sunday were all abandoned because of overnight rain.
A great innings — Riley Vernon’s 167 rates highly among his finest batting performances. Photo: Bill West 
Nikola Cox took 5/37 for Malmsbury in her side’s Jenson 2nds win against Lancefield on Sunday.
