Diggers Rest Bulla players can hold their heads high despite not getting the result they were after in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup grand final.
Needing a win against Gisborne to claim the club’s first McIntyre Cup premiership, the Burras were left shattered when the teams finished tied at 215.
Because the Dragons finished second on the ladder to the Burras’ fourth, the premiership went to Gisborne.
Burras coach Kevin Barker said the side was gutted.
“At the end of the day, we didn’t actually lose the grand final, it’s as simple as that,” he said. “We pushed a really good side to the end.
“If a couple of things had gone our way it could have been a different result, not taking anything away from Gisborne.
“It’s a numb feeling knowing we didn’t lose the game.”
Starting the third day of the match at Gardiner Reserve needing to take five wickets for victory, the Burras looked in control when they dismissed Simon Harman, Clinton Young and Tahir Afridi in quick succession.
At that stage the Dragons needed 47 runs with two wickets in hand.
“Our bowlers had done the job all year and we expected them to do it again this time,” Barker said.
“We created a chance in the second last over, but didn’t take it.
“To their credit they fought hard and put on more than 40 for the last two wickets.
“We knew they’d fight hard as they are a strong side and a successful club. Credit to them, they fought.”
Darren Quarrell who was on a hat-trick after taking the wickets of Harman and Young, finished with five, while Rhys Berry and Lindon Dowsett took two wickets each.
It capped off a good year with the ball for both Berry and Quarrell,who were named in the GDCA team of the year last week.
Barker was named player of the grand final after making 118 on day one, which set up the Burras’ total.
He said the club still had a lot to be proud of, in their first season back in the top grade.
“It’s important for everyone to hold their heads high,” he said.
“No one gave us a shot at the start of the year and to get as far as we did it is an amazing effort. At the end of the day, they didn’t actually lose.”
