Last year’s grand final heartache will drive Diggers Rest Bulla in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association this season.
In its first season in the top grade of the McIntyre Cup, the Burras made the grand final – and history – after they tied with Gisborne in last season’s decider.
Because it finished higher on the ladder, the Dragons won 2015-16 honours.
Burras’ coach Kevin Barker said he was proud of what was achieved last season, but said players aren’t resting on their laurels – they want that flag.
“It is driving us forward, and we want to push on,” he said. “You’re always working at it and want to play our best cricket.
“It’s a really even competition, and we’re just worried about what we do, and try and play our best cricket.”
Barker said the biggest difference between this season and last for the Burras would be added depth on the side.
Steven Fogarty has made the move across from Sunbury United, while Michael Sammut and Shannon O’Keefe return after not playing last season.
“Hopefully, we might get a few more come across from footy as they’ve now won the premiership,” Barker said.
“We’ve got the same core group of people and we’re hopeful of success.
“Depth is the one thing we lacked last year,” he said. “In round 1, we were calling people the night before to field a side.
“That’s not what you want in the McIntyre Cup.”
Former coach Rhys Berry is now assistant coach after he stood down from the top role before last season due to time constraints. Berry will again be an important player for the Burras.
“He’s the Kevin Sullivan medallist and it was a reward for all the hard work he does,” Marker said.
“With ball, I know he will bowl overs. This year he needs to step up with the bat and, if you ask him, he’s pretty honest about his form last season with the bat.”
With a year under his belt now, Barker, who made a century in the grand final, said he was more confident in the role.
“I’ve established how far you can push people, and what their strengths are.”
The Burras will open the season on October 8 against newly-promoted Rupertswood.
