Honours were shared on the opening two days of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup grand final.
The Diggers Rest Bulla players showed no nerves as they chased a first McIntyre Cup title for the club, and they were in control early against Gisborne.
Playing coach Kevin Barker came out firing, reaching his century within 24 overs. Once his innings of 118 ended, the Burras struggled to get runs.
They were 7-205 after day one.
The Dragons grabbed the last three wickets for 10 runs on Sunday to dismiss the Burras for 215. Jay King was the pick of the bowlers with 4-53 off 25 overs.
The Dragons struggled early and looked in trouble at 5-93.
A late partnership between Tahir Afridi and playing coach Simon Harmon ensured the Dragons got back in the game and at stumps, they were 5-129 with Afridi 22 not out and Harmon on 20.
Skipper Jarryd Vernon made 25.
Barker said the late partnership between Afridi and Harmon had put the game back on even terms.
“They put together a little partnership, which was disappointing for us,” he said. “We thought if we could get one or two more quick wickets we’d get into the tail a bit.
“But that’s cricket finals – there’s always fight from both sides.”
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Barker said the Burras would have been happy to post 215 at the start of the innings but then would have liked a few more runs after the promising start.
He said it was personally satisfying to post a good score after enduring a patchy season to date after returning to the GDCA from sub-district cricket.
“I got a few away and got on a roll and things went my way,” he said.
“Personally, it wasn’t the season I wanted to have, but it’s good to score a century … yet it doesn’t mean anything now if we don’t get the win.
“From the position we were in I would have liked a few more runs. We will back our bowlers in to do the job.”
As for much of the season, the Burras’ bowlers shared the workload and the honours.
Lindon Dowsett took two wickets, while three bowlers took one each.
Barker said early wickets would be the key to restricting the Dragons on Saturday.
“They fought hard to stop us to get a roll on,” he said.
“There’s a new ball 15 overs away – it will be a good contest.”
