The stage is set for McIntyre 1sts semi-finals this weekend, with Woodend clinically defeating Romsey by 165 runs on Saturday to retain top spot, despite an incredible late charge by reigning premier Gisborne to climb out of second place.
Two sudden death semi-finals will be played over Saturday and Sunday, with Woodend at home to surprise packet Rupertswood, and a confident Gisborne awaiting Romsey at Gardiner Reserve.
“Good luck” to all finalists across the remaining grades is the message from the Gisborne District Cricket Association executive.
Spectators are very welcome at the grand finals.
Gisborne captain-coach Jarryd Vernon has his side finetuned for the finals, and his own batting form reveals 208 runs across two innings, as the Dragons demolished Macedon in round 14 on Saturday.
While 304 was a daunting score to face, Macedon batters could only manage a disappointing 93 runs in 41.1 overs.
Dependable paceman Leigh Brennan tuned up for the finals with 4-20.
The Dragons elected to bat a second time, racing to 5/191 in 27 overs, with Vernon 66 and opener Brenton Cook 63 leading the way.
The huge win secured 12.95 points, but Woodend held on to top spot by obtaining 10.90 points at home to third-placed Romsey.
The Redbacks failed to fire, being bowled out for a meagre 125 — but this doesn’t mean they will be easy beats in the semi-final.
Tom Robson is in career best form with the ball at this level, and secured 5-36 from 20 overs. Tom Boyer top scored with 34.
Rupertswood persisted against regular finalist Sunbury United, and made a dramatic late step into fourth place. United was dismissed for 209.
With 157 and 148 in the last two matches, captain Matt Twentyman has almost single handedly propelled his side into unfamiliar territory — playing Gisborne in a semi-final.
The remaining match was the battle to avoid bottom place (and relegation?) between Broadford and Wallan.
Struggling at 4-30 in pursuit of 168, the Magpies recovered to reach 7/170 largely due to 51 from Kavindu Ratnayake and 37 from captain Bryan Vance.
Seymour-based club Eastern Hill goes into the semi-finals with extremely impressive form in both Johnstone 1sts and 2nds.
FINAL LADDERS
McIntyre 1sts final ladder positions are:
Woodend …. 96.04 pts
Gisborne …… 93.18
Romsey …….. 79.22
Rupertswood … 75.36
Sunbury United .. 66.68
Macedon ………… 65.29
Wallan …………… 52.35
Broadford …….. 40.06
ALL THE SCORES
Scores from Round 14 in McIntyre Cup 1sts on Saturday were:
Gisborne 304 and 5/191 (J. Vernon 66, B. Cook 63, W. Kelly 24 n.o., H. Luxmoore 21 n.o) d Macedon 93 (W. Bobetic 19 — L. Brennan 4-20, J. and R. Vernon and J. King all two wickets);
Woodend 290 d Romsey 125 (T. Boyer 34, C. Burkett 26, B. Way 19 — Tom Robson 5-36); Rupertswood 243 d Sunbury United 209 (D. Edwards 57, U. Fernando 30, A. Hannah 26 n.o. — R. Berry 3-49); Broadford 168 lost to Wallan 7/170 (K. Ratnayake 51, B. Vance 37, C. Fowler 26).
McIntyre 2nds semi-finals: Sunbury United 174 (L. Watts 33, A. Billinghurst — R. Davis 4-44) lost to Rupertswood 5/176 (B Robinson 58, T Hayes 42, W Bond 30); Woodend 206 (O. Watt 43, J. Bannan 35, H. Ingleton 34 — C. Marienfeld 3-78) lost to Romsey 7/208 (A frost 73, J Rees 27, M Richards 27 — H Ingleton 3/44).
Johnstone 1sts semi-finals: Eastern Hill 7/307 c.c. (B. Bryant 71, B. Cox 56, D. Fulco 55, O. Bryant 41) d Kilmore 102 (D Tassone 36, J Walotn 21 — Oscar Newell 7/16); Diggers Rest 198 (T. Krizanac 62, J. McDonald 43, D. Caruana 39 — C. Woolley 4-28, PP 3-33) d Sunbury Kangaroos 100 (J Ballinger 62 — T Barratt 8/36).
Johnstone 2nds: Eastern Hill 7/275 c.c. (H. Hager 113, T. Hoefche 59, B. Speechley 27 — M. Williams 4-55) d East Sunbury 272 (A shukla 78, C Watson 26); Eynesbury 90 and 6/90 (C. Goforth 4-25, S. Morris 3-12) lost to Diggers Rest 163 (J Reid 52, J Cleur 26 — S Collins 3/43).
