Gisborne District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup 1sts semi-finals take place this weekend at Woodend and Gisborne, after the completion of 14 intriguing home and away rounds.
And the four season 2024-25 semi-finalists — namely Woodend, Gisborne, Romsey and Sunbury United — can all feel they have a winning chance.
It’s the business end of the season for these four sides, and Saturday and Sunday should bring out plenty of onlookers.
The semi-finals sees first (Woodend) play fourth (Sunbury United) at Gilbert Gordon Oval, while defending titleholder Gisborne takes on Romsey at Gardiner Reserve in a repeat of last season’s grand final.
Based on recent seasons, Woodend has been the big improver with much more depth and a good mixture of all-rounder type players, The team culture is very srong among the Woodsmen.
Josh Eastley took on the coaching role at his old club, and he and captain Marcus Stewart must be exceptionally pleased with the way the Woodsmen have applied themselves to finish on top of the ladder, gaining a home ground semi-final in the process.
There’s been flow-through improvement in other ranks as well, with younger players given every encouragement to maximise their cricket skills.
Gisborne has heaps of talent, with captain-coach Jarryd Vernon and his younger brother Riley both proflic scorers with opposition teams having them as top priority to be dismissed cheaply — harder than it may sound.
The Vernons also capture wickets as well, and assistant coach and last season’s grand final man of the match Leigh Brennan heads the pace attack for the Dragons.
Jarryd missed matches through injury, and is very pleased with the run-scoring power of the side leading into the finals.
The Dragons were ‘stiff’ not to finish on top of the ladder, and many GDCA followers have them as firm favourites for the flag.
Premiers three years ago, breaking a 40-year drought, Romsey has outstanding bat Ben Way at the helm, and enough finals experience not to be overawed by playing at Gisborne.
The Redbacks have a variety of bowlers, with Taylor Stevenson doing well with bat and ball this season.
Chris Burkett is a big occasion player, and Thomas Boyer scores quickly.
Woodend will be wary of Sunbury United, with skipper Damien Edwards, Fabian and Upul Fernando, and several other players capable of making plenty of runs.
United also has plenty of finals experience and the Woodsmen realise they can expect strong opposition.
The GDCA board and executive, headed by Simon Ovenden, wish all sides well for the finals.
FINAL POSITIONS
This is how the McIntyre Cup 1sts ladder finished:
Woodend … 102.23 pts.
Gisborne … 07.34.
Romsey … 88.13.
Sun. United … 82.91.
Rupertswood … 70.45.
Macedon … 48.47.
Broadford … 44.27.
Kangaroos … 30.94.
