By Tara Murray
Win and play finals – that is the task for Diggers Rest Bulla in the final round of the Gisborne District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup Premier Firsts.
The Burras moved into the top four on Saturday with an upset win against second-placed Gisborne.
The Burras are 2.72 points ahead of fifth-placed Woodend heading into the final round – and the two sides will do battle over the next two weekends.
Burras captain coach Rasika Batepola said finals had come early for his side.
“We’re playing Woodend this weekend, which is like a final,” he said. “Then, if we win, its another final – and if we win that, it’s the grand final.
“We believe in ourselves.”
Needing 194 for victory against Gisborne, the Burras didn’t get off to the best start.
Darren Quarrell was ruled out of the second day of play due to a family emergency, meaning the Burras had only 10 batsmen to get the job done.
They managed – seven wickets down and finally bowled out for 220.
Batepola said despite facing one of the best bowling attacks in the competition, they were confident.
“We had some challenges, but we believed that we could do it,” he said.
“We’re clicking as a team and hopefully next week we can continue with the same confidence.”
Upul Fernando top scored with 81 for the Burras as all the top seven got starts.
Batepola said Fernando was able to keep the innings together and ensure the target was reached.
“He is the best bat in the team,” Batepola said.
“His temperament during that innings was really good. It was one of the best innings I’ve seen in the competition.
“He stood up for us making 81, but for me it was like he made 200. Other people chipped in to get the massive win for us.”
Photo Gallery: Gisborne vs Diggers Rest Bulla
Batepola said they would take a lot of confidence into the match with Woodend.
The Burras won the two-day clash between the sides earlier in the season.
“Woodend is playing well, as well,” he said. “Hopefully, we will be at our best and can get the win.”
In other results, Romsey sealed its finals spot while putting Woodend’s in doubt.
Needing a massive 329 for victory, Woodend nearly got there on the back of Warren Else’s 106 not out. Woodend fell just short, bowled out for 315.
Sunbury has all but retained its spot in the top grade with an outright win against Wallan.
Needing to add 12 runs for first-innings points on day two, the Roar did it with ease, bowled out for 159, a lead of 39.
Wallan then made 7-141 in its second innings, with Sunbury finishing 4-103 to grab an outright win.
Sunbury is nearly 16 points clear of the bottom-placed Magpies.
Bacchus Marsh sealed top spot with a massive win against Sunbury United.
Needing 160, the Bulls smashed 4-348, with Alex Porter finishing unbeaten on 161.
MORE GDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/gdca-umpires-pull-protest/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/woodends-top-order-collapse-puts-the-pressure-on/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/finals-thrill-for-riddell/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/macedon-set-on-top-spot/
