Gisborne District Cricket Association regional friendly matches begin
The Gisborne District Cricket Association returned to the field on Saturday in the first round of regional practice matches and Gisborne had a couple of big names make big impressions.
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The Gisborne District Cricket Association returned to the field on Saturday for the first time since last season’s grand final was cancelled in March.
The competition will hold several weeks of “friendly” matches between regional clubs while metropolitan-based clubs are still in lockdown.
Despite the grand final being called off, Gisborne claimed the premiership last season with an undefeated campaign.
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And the Dragons look the team to beat again, especially if former Australia Under-19 captain and ex-AFL player Pat McKenna commits for the season.
The Gisborne local showed off his match-winning abilities with bat and ball in Saturday’s hit out against arch-rivals Bacchus Marsh.
McKenna claimed the key wicket of Bulls captain-coach James Lidgett and then finished 41 not out with the ball to guide his team to victory.
Lachlan McKenna – listed at Premier Cricket outfit Carlton – also starred, top scoring with 61 as the Dragons chased down Bacchus Marsh’s 5-162 by five wickets.
Lachlan is one of a number of Premier cricketers starting the season in country leagues while Melbourne remains in lockdown.
Pat, a former GWS Giants and Melbourne-listed player played one game last season, instead focusing on his football.
However, with the 2020 Bendigo Football League season cancelled it is hoped he could feature more prominently for the Dragons.
“He’s a mad footballer and he didn’t get any footy this year, so he’s thinking he might play some cricket,” Gisborne captain Jason Wilson said.
“I’m not sure how many games he’ll play because he’s got a lot of other stuff on but for now he’s playing, which is great for us.
“(Pat and Lachie) have a wealth of knowledge and leadership … not a lot of clubs have the opportunity to have those sort of blokes around.”
Gisborne premiership captain Jarryd Vernon also featured, making one run and claiming 1-34 with the ball but will suit up for Spotswood when the VTCA season begins.
Taeje Baker top scored for Bacchus Marsh with a well-made 56.
Elsewhere, former Gisborne star Riley Vernon knocked up 90 for Woodend but couldn’t stop Romsey claiming a thrilling win on the final ball.
Vernon enjoyed a productive campaign in the Northern Territory, winning the Darwin District First XI premiership with Waratah.
After collapsing to 2-4, Vernon and Warren Else (35) rebuilt Woodend’s innings.
Romsey paceman Darin Jewell claimed the big wicket of Vernon and finished with 3-31 while Aaron Paterson claimed 3-32.
Sean Day top scored for the Redbacks with 40 and Will Collins added 37.
Romsey almost snatched defeat from the jaw of victory when it lost two wickets with only three runs to get but Louis Moor knocked in the winning run on the final ball.
Wet weather saw Wallan and Riddell and Kyneton and Macedon draw.
This weekend will see a round of Twenty20 matches, weather permitting.