By Tara Murray
It wasn’t Diggers Rest Bulla’s day in the field as its season came to an end in Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup Premier Firsts.
Well and truly in the semi-final against Bacchus Marsh after day one, the Burras struggled to keep that momentum going on day two.
In the end, the Bulls had an easy win with seven wickets and 19 overs remaining.
Burras’ captain-coach Rasika Batepola said they were happy with their score of 183.
“It was a slow ground,” he said. “We thought it was worth about 200 normally. We thought we were in with a good chance.”
Upul Fernando was the standout with the bat, top scoring with 55.
Batepola said Fernando had been a revelation in his first season at the club.
“We are looking at signing him for next season,” he said.
“He lives in Diggers Rest now. He’s had an impact with the kids in the under-17s and he’s been my assistant coach.
“He’s excelled as a player and had a huge impact at the club.”
Photo Gallery: Bacchus Marsh vs Diggers Rest Bulla
The Burras’ hopes unravelled on day two as the Bulls took control of the game.
The Bulls finished with 3-184 to get the win.
“We tried our best, but we couldn’t get the ball to swing,” Batepola said.
“We missed some chances – a run-out and a couple of catches.
“We didn’t bowl the way we had the last couple of games and didn’t field well, either.”
Batepola said James Lidgett, who finished 118 not out, had showed them how to bat.
With the season over for their first XI, Batepola said he was proud of how they had played.
“Our twos made the grand final with a win against Sunbury,” he said.
“We had five or six new faces this year and it was hard to click.
“We didn’t have the best end, but I’m so proud of the boys who tried their best.”
Bacchus Marsh will face Gisborne in the grand final.
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