When Diggers Rest Bulla lost four early wickets on day three of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association B-grade competition, captain-coach Rhys Berry started to think ‘not again’.
Last year the Burras lost the grand final to Gisborne by one wicket and, despite having a first innings lead, Berry thought they may have blown their chances again.
The Burras resumed at 2-71 with an overall lead of 74 going into the third and final day of the match against East Sunbury.
“We were in the box seat going into the day. We lost 4-24 to be 6-95 and still with plenty of overs remaining,” Berry said.
Related
GDCA B-grade grand final picture gallery: Day one
GDCA McIntyre Cup grand final: Sunbury United beats Sunbury
“There were very nervous guys with the top six blokes out. Speaking for myself, the negative thoughts started to arrive and I thought we were going to lose the unloseable game.”
Berry promoted himself up the order to try to calm things down in the middle.
The decision worked, with Berry and Mark Jackson batting for the rest of the day.
“We batted for 60 overs and the more time we spent in the middle, the better. The partnership was 62 not out.”
The Burras finished the day and the match at 6-157.
Berry made 23 not out, while Jackson finished unbeaten also, 31 not out. Andrew Knight also scored 31.
Experienced Burras bowler Darren Quarrell was named man-of-the-match for his 5-38 off 17 overs, the win being the Burras’ second grand final in three years. The club also won the C-grade premiership in 2012-13 and was B-grade runner-up last year.
“It [2012-13] was my first season in charge and the plan was to get us to McIntyre Cup, which we’ve now done,” Berry said.“The club has never been in the McIntyre Cup since coming into the competition in 1990.
“In my 13 years, we’ve always been one of the stronger teams … it’s the fourth time I’ve played in a B-grade grand final, though this is the first time we’ve won.”
Berry said he was hopeful the club would be competitive next year in the top grade.
“We’re finally there and up with the big boys. Obviously we will have to find a couple of others players to be competitive, but it’s all very exciting,” Berry said.
