East Sunbury caused arguably the upset of the season in a Gisborne District Cricket Association B-grade semi-final at the weekend.
Taking on an all-conquering Rupertswood that finished atop the ladder with an 18-point margin, fourth-placed East Sunbury smashed its way to victory.
Batting first, Easts made 9-256 on the back of a stunning century by opener Liam Sherlock.
In reply, Rupertswood had no answers, succumbing for a disappointing 145.
East Sunbury coach Mark Hourigan was full of praise for his young side.
“It’s been a long year, trying to get into the finals and having the faith in the younger kids,” he said.
“It’s been a challenge at times, but they keep backing up week after week.
“The week before, we’d played Diggers Rest, who are one of the top sides in the competition, and were found wanting.
“But this week we took the chance to play our natural games and that worked for us with bat and ball.”
Also impressive with the bat was Jessy Carroll who made 46, while Brandon Nicholls contributed 28.
But the undoubted matchwinner was Sherlock.
“Liam has been a standout all year,” Hourigan said. “He faces the new ball every week. He learns from his mistakes and that has really held him in good stead all season.
“Anyone who makes a hundred in any finals match deserves a pat on the back and he was very impressive.”
East Sunbury will play Diggers Rest Bulla in the grand final.
