Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh cemented its spot as the best team in recent history in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup with its third premiership in four seasons.
The Bulls, who claimed the minor premiership having lost just one game for the season, defeated Sunbury United in the grand final.
While the final looked to be one-sided on paper, Bulls captain-coach James Lidgett said the final was a great match.
“I think it was the best two sides for the season,” he said.
“I knew we would be up for a fight, as they had beaten us during the season. It didn’t feel like it was one sided, it was a good game.
“One more wicket would have opened the game up. It was closer than it looked.”
The Bulls sent in United and it proved to be the right decision, as they claimed two quick wickets, including Dilan Chandima.
Chandima was the standout batsman of the competition, making 855 runs at an average of 122.
It was a great piece of fielding by Shaun Taylor that did the damage.
“We had built a lot of pressure and Chandima was looking to get a quick single,” Lidgett said. “It was a really good run out.”
That would be the end of the good fielding, with Lidgett saying that the two sides dropped 13 catches between them as the pressure built.
He said he had never seen that many catches dropped in a game.
Ryan Billinghurst [46] and Amrit Sandhu [39] rescued the innings for United, which was bowled out for 127.
Jack Powell took three wickets for the Bulls. Rhys Watson, who opened the bowling, finished with 2-5 off his 6.2 overs.
The Bulls started well and got to 48 with no wicket. They would lose three wickets, but got the runs easily, finishing 3-127.
All five batsmen who got a bat, scored at least 18 with Kieran Atkin top scoring with 24.
Lidgett said everyone had contributed to the win.
Watson was named player of the match for his bowling performance, which Lidgett said set the tone for the match.
Lidgett said this premiership was just as special as the other two in the four season run.
“We’re really happy with it,” he said.
“This one is a bit different as it was a strange year. It was a different format with just one day cricket, but just as special.”
Grand final day was a big day for the Bulls, with four of the club’s senior sides playing in grand finals.
Their second side took out the second grade premiership, the Johnstone Shield.
The Bulls made 8-183 against Wallan, before restricting the Magpies to 75.
Mace Cousins top scored for the Bulls with 49.
The bowlers shared the wickets around, with all five bowlers picking up at least one wicket.
Their other two sides in the grand final both suffered losses.
Lidgett said it was pretty special to see the whole club doing so well.
“It shows we have a lot of depth in the club,” he said. “It shows where we’re at and it’s good for the future.
“It’s something to be proud of there’s a lot of work put in. Everyone gets involved, it’s a club effort.”
