Gisborne turned in a sterling performance with bat and ball to score a decisive victory in the One-Day Final played at Gilbert Gordon Oval on Sunday.
The Dragons defeated last season’s inaugural champion Woodend with seven overs left, and six wickets in hand.
Man of the Match was Gisborne captain-coach Jarryd Vernon, who captured two wickets when the Woodsmen batted, then made a splendid 97 after opening the batting for his side and scoring at a quick rate.
A very large crowd turned up to see the two sides show their wares, and there was a general feeling that Woodend’s 9/209 from 45 overs may not be enough to keep the Dragons at bay.
A key moment came in Gisborne’s favour with the run out of Woodend skipper Marcus Stewart for 33 just when he appeared ready to increase the run rate against Gisborne’s varied attack.
Last season’s Man of the Match, Warren Else, was bowled for 24 by Jarrod Catania.
A quick flurry of runs from Hamish McDonald (38 not out) enabled Woodend to pass the 200 mark.
The fact that Gisborne’s form since Christmas may not have been up to expectations did not matter, and Vernon was very pleased with the input from his side.
Jacques Du Toit, in his first season with the Woodend club as a specialist coach, top scored with 55 from 62 balls.
Gisborne bowlers shared the wickets, and the economy rate was generally good in an ideal setting for the final.
EARLY FLURRY
The Dragons’ decision to open the batting with Jarryd Vernon and the experienced recruit Brenton Cook paid off handsomely, they attacked the new ball bowling and hit boundaries to bring the run rate down.
Cook made 36 from 30 balls before falling to spinner Tom Robson, and the captain continued on with useful runs from Paul Sammut kept the scoreboard ticking over.
Then the partnership that causes all sides to shudder effectively wrapped up the trophy for Gisborne, who had plenty of supporters who travelled by both car and train.
It was Jarryd and Riley Vernon, who had been under an injury cloud, who combined in a big fourth-wicket stand before the captain was caught off Harrison Sheahan for an inspiring 97 (nine fours, three sixes) from 108 balls.
Riley remained 40 not out when the 210 target was reached, and Gisborne supporters and players were very close to celebration mode.
While it wasn’t Woodend’s day, both sides will now be looking to see if they can win the McIntyre Cup premiership at season’s end.
Sheahan finished with 3-47 for Woodend.
GDCA president Simon Ovenden made the presentations, and leaders of both sides spoke on the memorable occasion where cricket was also a big winner for the GDCA.
Jarrard Vernon was applauded and presented with the Sean Huddle Medal.
The GDCA and Woodend Cricket Club worked hard to have everything in top shape, and were rewarded with a large attendance.
One Day Final Scoreboard
WOODEND
J. Eastley c R. Vernon b King 23
H. Lawson c Luxmoore b R. Vernon 8
M. Stewart run out 33
O. Price b King 4
J. Du Toit c Scott by J. Vernon 55
W. Else b Catania 24
H. McDonald not out 38
H. Sheahan c Barake b J. Vernon 7
D. Eastley c Catania b Brennan 3
L. Sheahan b Brennan 7
Extras 7
TOTAL 9/209 (45 overs)
Bowling: L. Brennan 2-44, R. Vernon 1-27, J. King 2-23, R. Scott 0-35,
J. Vernon 2-45, J. Catania 1-29.
GISBORNE
B. Cook c Price b Robson 36
J. Vernon c Else b H. Sheahan 97
P. Sammutt c Price b H. Sheahan 18
R. Vernon not out 40
J. Catania c Stewart b H. Sheahan 6
M. Barake not out 4
Extras 9
TOTAL 4/210 (38 overs).
Bowling: J. Morley 0-36, W. Else 0-52, T. Robson 1-31, H. Sheahan 3-47, J. De Toit 0-25.
