tara murray
Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh was outplayed by a better side in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
Facing the undefeated minor premiers Gisborne, the Bulls had a task ahead of them over the weekend.
The Dragons showed their class as they were able to have a comfortable win and secure a home grand final.
Bulls captain-coach James Lidgett said in the end, Gisborne were the better team over the weekend.
“It wasn’t what we were after today, but they were awesome,” he said.
“They are a well drilled side together and to be honest they outplayed us.”
Gisborne elected to bat and were sitting at 3-50.
Lidgett said they hadn’t bowled particularly well despite picking up the wickets.
The Dragons two leaders, Jarryd Vernon and Jason Wilson, put on 136 to turn the game in their favour.
The Dragons finished with 9-242.
Lidgett said after a poor start they were able to bring the Dragons back.
“They were going at four an over early on, but we were able to bring it back to three an over which was a really good effort.
“Ian Spiteri and Jack Powell bowled 30 overs each, bowling the majority of overs between them.
“On our day we would be able to get that total, 240 wasn’t out of reach.”
But Sunday wasn’t the day for the Bulls, as they fell well short of the total, bowled out for 169.
Lidgett said they didn’t have anyone put their hand up and fight hard for the runs.
Lidgett top scored with 72, having made the majority of the early runs.
He was quick to praise the Gisborne’s bowlers.
“They bowled really well and put a lot of pressure on, which achieved a lot of wickets.”
Gisborne will now face Bacchus Marsh in the grand final.
Lidgett said he hadn’t reflected on how the season went, as being coach he was still worried about the other sides they had in grand finals.
Three other teams, including the two XI, will play in grand finals this week, while their under-15s won a premiership on the weekend.
The outcome of the second XI’s Johnstone Shield semi final against the Sunbury Kangaroos put a smile on Lidgett’s face.
Having made just 134, the Bulls were able to defend that, with the two teams finishing a tie. As the Bulls finished higher on the ladder, it was enough to get them a second straight grand final spot in that grade.
“It was really good for them to defend that,” he said.
“They [Sunbury] needed three runs with two wickets in hand and we took a wicket.
“We were face-timing the boys and one of them was watching the game.
“I have no idea what happened, there was a huge roar and the phone cut out. After a loss, to hear something like that pecks you up.”
The second XI side will face East Sunbury in the grand final.
