By Tara Murray
Diggers Rest Bulla held its nerve to seal the last spot in the top four and finals in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup Premier Firsts.
In a do-or-die match against Woodend, it was the Burras that got the job done, displacing Woodend from the top four.
Heading into day two, the match was the Burras to lose. They resumed at 3-78 in reply to Woodend’s 125.
Rhys Berry and Kevin Barker had put the Burras on top with some good bowling on day one.
Burras’ captain-coach Rasika Batepola said they were confident of getting the job done after a strong day one.
After a couple of nervous moments, the Burras got the runs, finishing 7-144.
“We made it harder than it should have been,” Batepola said.
“But that is cricket, especially at this time of the year. They put the pressure on and in the end we were able to pull through.
“It didn’t matter how long it took as we had plenty of overs to bat.”
Upul Fernando continued his good form, finishing 40 not out as he topped the run scorers.
“It was a top effort,” Batepola said.
“Lindon Dowsett made 26-odd and others chipped in.
“Warren Berry batted superbly and he stuck around with Upul to get us into the semi-final.”
The Burras face minor premiers Bacchus Marsh in a semi-final this weekend, playing for a spot in the grand final.
It will be a test for the Burras, who have struggled this season against the Bulls.
Batepola said they have nothing to lose.
“I’m excited for finals,” he said.
“We go in as underdogs and I’m happy with that.
“We want to give them a good game, they are the best team of the year.
“We’ll give it everything this weekend.”
Photo Gallery: Diggers Rest Bulla vs Woodend
Gisborne will host Romsey in the other semi-final after finishing second.
The Dragons sealed a home final with a win against Sunbury on Saturday.
Defending 9-198, the Dragons bowled Sunbury out for 111 then finished 2-113 in their second innings, with Jakson Knight 60 not out.
Romsey, which finished third, enters the finals on the back of some good batting having had a massive win against Sunbury United.
Romsey had no trouble passing United’s 155, piling on the runs to make 478.
Mitchell Clement (151), Taylor Stevenson (125) and Chris Burkett (102) all made centuries.
In the other match, minor premiers Bacchus Marsh beat Wallan. Having made 7-307, the Bulls bowled Wallan out for 130.
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