By Tara Murray
The Gisborne and District Cricket Association fell to a disciplined Murray Valley Cricket Association team in the grand final at Bendigo Country Week.
In a rain interrupted week, the GDCA made it through to their first grand final since 2015-16 season.
While the grand final was one-sided, GDCA president Rob McIntyre said it had been a really good week for the team.
“We didn’t expect to make the grand final,” said McIntyre.
“We had nine debutants in the side and a lot of young Rupo [Rupertswood] boys in the side.
I said to them all, enjoy the experience and that they will learn more from a rep game than a normal game. “Some showed improvement and they all tried really hard.”
The GDCA had 17 players play some part in the week, which saw them win three games to reach the grand final.
Unfortunately, several of their experienced players were unavailable for the grand final on Friday, leaving them undermanned.
Murray Valley, which had a wash-out on Thursday, won the toss on Friday and elected to bat.
They put on 7-295 off 50 overs. Wian Van Zyl made 125 at the top of the order.
It could have been a much different story.
“We dropped him on about 25,” McIntyre said,
“That’s an extra 100 runs made and if you take that away from the score it makes a difference.”
Joel Muir and Cameron Clayton took three wickets each for the GDCA.
Muir was one of the debutants who stood up.
“He improved his line and length as the week went on,” McIntyre said.
“He was given the responsibility of leading the attack.”
The GDCA never looked like getting the runs, bowled out for 165.
Romsey’s Taylor Stevenson top scored with 65.
McIntyre said overall the week was a success. He said there was some good signs for the future with a number of younger players making themselves available.
“We weren’t expecting to make the final as we were thin in the bowling attack. A final was unexpected.
“Hopefully the guys here tell the clubs it’s a good week of cricket and that more players will make themselves available.”
