It was mixed fortunes for the Gisborne sides in the Central Highlands Junior Country Week finals on Friday.
The Gisborne Green teams in the under-13 and under-15 competitions were both expected to play Ballarat Gold in the finals.
The under-13 match went ahead, with Gisborne Green falling short of the title.
The under-15 final was called off due to the weather, with Gisborne Green taking home the title due to a better percentage in the round robin stage.
Speaking during the week, under-13 coach Gavin MacKay said the boys had really enjoyed the competition. “It’s been a fantastic experience and a lot of fun, and we’ve had a couple of wins,” MacKay said.
“Last year the boys played in the second of the Gisborne teams, Gisborne White.
“They’ve learnt a little more with their cricket this year.
“Last year they were 12-year-olds and found themselves intimated,” MacKay said. “This year they feel like they’re the big boys.
“The running between the wickets and the applying of pressure has been a lot better.”
MacKay said there hadn’t been a standout in the side with all the boys playing their roles well. “They have exceeded expectations and I thought at the very start they were a chance to make the final.
“The lads have put in a great performance with the bat and the ball. Three of them had to retire after making 40s.”
Unfortunately for Gisborne Green, they fell short in the final.
After sending Ballarat Gold in, the Greens restricted them to 5-151 off the allocated 40 overs.
The wickets were shared between the players, with five bowlers picking up a ‘pole’ each.
In reply, Green could manage only 7-118, Flynn Lakely top-scoring with 40 not out and having to retire.
Gisborne White finished the under-13 competition in fifth place.
In the under-15s, Gisborne Green defended the title it won last year.
To take the title, Green won its three matches in the round robin phase to finish on a better percentage than Ballarat Gold.
Gisborne White finished sixth in the under-16 competition.
Tara Murray
