Gisborne prepare for blockbuster GDCA semi-final against Bacchus Marsh
Undefeated through the home-and-away season, Gisborne skipper Jarryd Vernon admits the pressure is on the Dragons ahead of a blockbuster semi-final against arch-rival Bacchus Marsh.
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Gisborne captain Jarryd Vernon admits all eyes will be on the Dragons as GDCA McIntyre Shield finals begin this weekend.
The pain of last season’s grand final defeat has inspired Gisborne to an undefeated home-and-away campaign with one washout robbing the club of the chance to complete a perfect campaign.
In a blockbuster semi-final, the Dragons will face arch-rival and reigning premier Bacchus Marsh.
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Despite the pressure, Vernon had no doubt his men were capable of continuing their winning run.
“You’ve always got that little bit of extra pressure on you come finals when you haven’t lost a game all year,” Vernon said.
“I think our boys will handle it pretty well, we’ve done it all year so there’s no reason why we can’t come finals.
“They (Bacchus Marsh) are really a strong side … finals is a different game but I think we’re prepared for it.”
Gisborne swept the Bulls in the regular season.
Tom Sanders’ 42 guided the Dragons home by three wickets at home in Round 1, while Mick Allen (86) and Vernon (74) ensured a 95-run win on the road in Round 8.
After missing the final-round win over Woodend, Allen, Warren Kelly and Luke Macumber will return to bolster the Gisborne line-up.
Allen has been the recruit of the season, sitting in the competition’s top 10 for runs and wickets after crossing from Riddell.
However, the form of Bacchus Marsh star James Lidgett will test Gisborne’s bowling attack, the competition’s No.1 run-scorer making 66 and 58 against the Dragons this season.
“(Bacchus Marsh) are starting to hit form now,” Vernon said.
“We knocked them off twice this year but they’ve got a very strong side.
“Anything can happen in finals, so we’ve got to be best prepared and play our best cricket.”
Diggers Rest finished second and will face Sunbury United in the other semi-final.
“Diggers are very strong as well, it’s going to be tight, and the top four are all strong teams,” Vernon said.
The semi-finals will be played across March 14-15 before the grand final on March 21-22.
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