Gisborne District Cricket Association reveals major restructure for 2021-22

Three new clubs have been added to the GDCA’s top tier McIntyre Shield competition for the 2021-22 season as part of a proposed restructure.

Lindon Dowsett in action for Diggers Rest Bulla. Picture: Hamish Blair

Like an old infomercial, not one, not two but three teams will be promoted to the Gisborne District Cricket Association’s top tier in 2021-22.

The dramatic restructure of the association proposed will see the top three divisions expanded to 10 teams.

Top tier McIntyre Shield had just seven clubs compete this season and will welcome Rupertswood, Sunbury Kangaroos and Wallan.

Diggers Rest Bulla will avoid relegation to create the 10-team competition.

There’s even bigger upheaval in the Johnstone and Jensen Shields.

Jason Wilson in action for Gisborne in the GDCA. Picture: Hamish Blair

Five teams have been provisionally elevated to Johnstone Shield and seven added to the third tier Jensen Shield.

Macedon, Kyneton, Eynesbury, Romsey’s Second XI and Macedon’s Second XI will step up to Johnstone Shield.

Malmsbury, Hanging Rock, Lancefield, Blackwood, Trentham, Woodend’s Second XI and Bacchus Marsh’s Third XI will all join Jensen Shield.

Premier Lancefield and Blackwood will jump up from Division 2 while Trentham have been promoted all the way up from Division 3 after claiming a drought-breaking flag.

Rupertswood finished as minor premier in Johnstone Shield before crashing out in the semi-final against Wallan last season.

President Peter Kavanagh said the step up presented several challenges but the club was looking forward to returning to McIntyre Shield for the first time since 2017-18.

“It’s a big step up but one that will be a good challenge for us and hopefully something that might get us a few extra players,” he said.

“Even though our players are young, the experience of Johnstone Shield, we’ll grow from that and hopefully in a few years time will be very competitive.

“We’ll lose one or two players but that’s to better their cricket.”

“With the experience of being short in the last couple of years we’ll have to find those players from somewhere. It’s definitely going to be a challenge for us.”

Andrew Pizaro will captain-coach Rupertswood again in 2021-22.

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GDCA: BACCHUS MARSH SEALS THIRD FLAG IN FOUR SEASONS

The GDCA says the top tiers will return to a two-day and one-day competition format in 2021-22, while lower grades will remain one-day only.

McIntyre Shield games will be increased from 40 to 45 overs in one-day matches.

Rob McIntyre was re-elected as GDCA president, while Chris Large and Simon Ovenden will continue as vice-president and secretary respectively.

Kevin Sullivan will retain the treasurer’s position for an incredible 42nd season.