The stage is set for a pulsating 2025-26 McIntyre Cup 1sts Grand Final between Woodend and Gisborne this weekend.
Each scored decisive victories in the knockout semi-finals, with the Woodsmen defeating Rupertswood by 93 runs, and Gisborne losing just two wickets in chasing down Romsey’s 229.
The Grand Final is being played at a neutral venue — Wallan’s Greenhill Reserve — this Saturday and Sunday. It’s a 12.30pm start.
Woodend and Gisborne finished first and second respectively on the ladder, and the Dragons are keen to make it three premierships in succession in what is shaping as a golden era for the club.
Gisborne captain-coach Jarryd Vernon is in supreme form, having scored 267 runs across the past two matches, and taken wickets as well.
He will be looking for a big team effort, unperturbed by his side going into the final as favourite.
COOK 115 NOT OUT
Brenton Cook joined Gisborne this season with a wealth of cricket experience and performances behind him at various levels, including overseas, and he has struck form at the right time.
His unbeaten 115 (15 fours) from 173 balls in the semi-final at Gardiner Reserve on Sunday was a very positive innings going into the grand final.
Cook and fellow opener Spencer Jones put on an opening partnership of 103 runs on Sunday to destroy Romsey’s hopes of defending 229 scored on Saturday.
Jarryd Vernon knocked up an unbeaten 59 in better than a run a ball performance as Gisborne finished at 2/230 in an impressive display.
Romsey’s 229 after losing both openers cheaply to paceman Leigh Brennan led to coach Ben Way largely holding the innings together with a determined 74, and experienced Tim Dale at number 7 playing a range of shots to score a fine 90 (11 fours) from 112 deliveries.
Vernon captured 4-77 with the other wickets shared around.
WOODSMEN READY
Woodend has overcome plenty of challenges this season to finish on top, and should not be overawed by playing in the grand final.
Captain Marcus Stewart is used to playing a key role with the bat, and he scored a half century against Rupertswood, with Daniel Eastley chipping in with an unbeaten 57 late in the innings.
There were useful runs from other players, and 9/238 c.c. was a defendable total at Gilbert Gordon Oval.
Forced behind the required run rate, Rupertswood was looking to skipper Matt Twentyman for a big score after his successive centuries.
Instead, the irrepressible Warren Else knocked his off-stump from the ground on the fourth ball he faced.
Kevin Barker top scored with 54, but the innings fell away as Else claimed 4-50 and Tom Robson 3-37 in lengthy spells.
“Should be a good match” was how Woodend president Daniel Heaney summed up the grand final.
Woodend’s top grade premiership drought goes back to season 2003-04.
Gisborne District Cricket Association hopes a match is a real crowd drawcard, and wishes each side all the best.
EASTERN HILL PROMOTED
As expected, the powerful Eastern Hill combination won the Johnstone Shield premiership to earn promotion to McIntyre Cup 1sts next season.
Eastern Hill skittled Diggers Rest – Bulla Village for 104, with Man of the Match Tim Rudd-Schmidt taking four wickets.
The Seymour-based side was untroubled to end the match early with 3/105 on the board.
There was a premiership double for Eastern Hill as its Johnstone 2nds side scored 178, and claimed the last five wickets for the addition of 23 runs to deny Diggers Rest victory in a really tight contest.
The Hill’s paceman Fraser Lewis was Man of the Match by capturing 6-42.
OH, SO CLOSE
The McIntyre 2nds premiership battle ebbed and flowed, with Romsey in a good position before late runs enabled Rupertswood to score 9/202 c.c.
Chris Marienfeld and Jamie Taylor each claimed three wickets.
Determined opener Jack Rees held the Redbacks’ innings together with a patient 68, and Nathan Hoy contributed 49 as the Redbacks fought hard.
The pressure built, and it was anyone’s match. Rupo persisted, and the last five wickets tumbled for the addition of just 23 runs.
Rupertswood skipper Will Honner may have made a duck, but he more than made up for it with five wickets and the Man of the Match award.
ALL THE SCORES
Scores from the McIntyre Cup 1sts semi-finals and three other grand finals completed on Sunday were:
McIntyre 1sts: Woodend 9/238 c.c. (80 overs) – D. Eastley 57 n.o., M. Stewart 54, J. Du Toit 29, W. Else 19, H. Sheahan 19 d Rupertswood 145 (K. Barker 54 — Else 4-50, T. Robson 3-37) ; Romsey 229 (T. Dale 90, B. Way 74 — J. Vernon 4-77) lost to Gisborne 2/230 dec. (B. Cook 115 n.o., J. Vernon 59 n.o., S. Jones 32).
Johnstone 1sts — Grand Final: Diggers Rest-Bulla Village 104 (J. Grant 29, E. Long 20 — T. Rudd-Schmidt 4-22) lost to Eastern Hill 3/105 (D. Fulco 26, B. Bryant 24, O. Newell 24 n.o., N. Fowler 23 n.o.).
McIntyre 2nds — Grand Final: Rupertswood 9/202 c.c. in 75 overs (B. Robinson 40, N. Powell 35, T. Hayes 32, H. O’Donovan 27 n.o. — C. Marienfeld 3-32, J. Taylor 3-59) d Romsey 191 (J. Rees 68, N. Hoy 49, B. Norris 23, Taylor 20 — W. Honner 5-50, D. Campbell 4-27).
Johnstone 2nds — Grand Final: Eastern Hill 178 (T. Hoefchen 48, B. Speechley 33, E. Loweke 31, P. Speechley 27 — J. Storey 3-32) d Diggers Rest-Bulla 168 (M. West 74, A. McDonald 36 — F. Lewis 6-42).
