By Tara Murray
Diggers Rest Bulla got a reality check against ladder leaders Gisborne in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
In the battle between the top two teams, the undefeated Dragons came out on top and secured the minor premiership in the process.
Burras playing coach Ras Batepola said after a good start they let the game get away from them.
He said they were disappointed that day one of the match had been washed out, making the match a one-dayer.
“They played some good cricket,” he said. “We have been a better two-day side team this year.
Hopefully we get them in the grand final, which will be a two-dayer.”
At 3-113 the Burras looked in control and on track for a big total.
They would lose seven quick wickets, to be all out for 165 with one ball remaining.
Raveen Yasas top scored with 40. Batepola said they never thought that was going to be enough runs.
“We didn’t finish off well the last 12 overs,” he said. “We would normally be looking to get at least another 80 runs on the board with wickets in the shed.
“We thought 210 was possible. They bowled and fielded well and we lost our way to the finish.”
Mick Allen was the pick of the bowlers for the Dragons, taking 4-29 off eight overs.
The Dragons put the pressure on early with the bat and broke the Burras attack. While the Burras slowed things down, the Dragons had done the damage.
They made the runs with 10 overs remaining, finishing 3-166.
Batepola said they didn’t do the basics properly early on, resulting in the Dragons getting on top of them.
“We probably bowled too many four balls in the first few overs,” he said.
“They were 70 off the first eight overs and we came back at them too late. We were trying too hard to take wickets.”
Warren Kelly starred at the top of the order for the Dragons, finishing 83 not out.
The result now has the Dragons 17 points clear of the Burras at the top of the table.
With third and fourth placed sides Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury United having a tie, the Burras are still 11 points clear on them in the race for a top two spot.
Batepola said it was looking likely that they would finish second and host a final in the first week of finals.
They finish the regular season with two-day matches against St Anthony’s and Bacchus Marsh.
“I think we should be able to finish the season and who we will play is the next question,” he said.
PHOTO GALLERY: Diggers Rest Bulla vs Gisborne
“If we play our best cricket, we can beat anyone.”
It was a round full of important matches at both ends of the ladder.
Bacchus Marsh was left to rue a poor finish against Sunbury United which saw their match finish in a draw.
Sunbury United made 8-133 from its overs. Bacchus Marsh finished its innings 7-133.
St Anthony’s got its first win of the season beating Riddell. The Saints made 6-215 before bowling the Bombers out for 103.
The win move St Anthony’s above Riddell in the relegation battle.
Woodend was the other winner, beating Romsey.
Romsey had been on top after day one, but not enough overs were bowled, so the game became a one-day clash.
Woodend made 181 before restricting Romsey to 104.
The draw between Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury United didn’t do Woodend any favours in its finals hopes.
