Gisborne’s young talent on show in GDCA McIntyre Cup premiership win over Romsey
Gisborne’s future is blindingly bright as the Dragons’ young talent helped the club claim a 19th GDCA McIntyre Cup premiership over Romsey.
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If its grand final side is any indication, the future is blindingly bright at Gisborne.
The Dragons claimed their 19th GDCA McIntyre Cup premiership on Sunday, defeating Romsey by six wickets at Tony Clarke Reserve.
It’s the club’s fifth flag in eight seasons, underlining its dominance of the competition.
However, it is the age of the XI that should truly scare rivals.
Archie Shore (15 years old), James McKibbon (16), Wilhem McKay (17), Spencer Jones (19), Harry Luxmoore (20) and Riley Vernon (23) all played key roles, while Darcy Thomas (18) was 12th man.
Luxmoore (nine not out) hit the winning runs, getting Gisborne home alongside Shore (12 not out), while earlier Jones took 1-18.
Dragons captain Jarryd Vernon said the club was in a great place.
“The club deserve this one, its put in a lot of work on and off the field with the junior program,” he said.
“I was very pleased for the younger guys to taste what it’s like to win a First XI premiership, very happy.
“Archie played a few games early for us but came back in for the semi-final because of Warren Kelly’s injury and he played a massive role.
“The future of the club is very bright, all our junior teams made finals this year and the club’s in a good position.”
Gisborne won the toss and elected to bowl on Saturday and had Romsey in trouble at 3-60 before a 86-run partnership between captain Ben Way (63) and Chris Burkett (47).
However, the Redbacks weren’t able to sustain the momentum losing their six wickets for 37 runs.
Former North Melbourne, Footscray and Brunswick paceman Leigh Brennan was a wreaking ball with ball in hand, finishing with 5-69 from 26 overs.
It earned him the Gary Sanders Medal as best-on-ground.
“Leigh took 5-for the week before too in the semi-final, to have someone of his experience in a final is great for the kids,” Vernon said.
“He showed why he’s been such a great cricketer for a long time, five-for in a grand final and best-on-ground.”
In reply, Matt Barake (47) and Riley Vernon (92) got Gisborne off to the perfect start with a 139-run opening stand.
Both were unlucky not to reach deserving milestones before falling to Jamie Taylor (2-47).
After losing 3-31, Luxmoore and Shore finished the job in the 61st over.
“Obviously Riley has had an outstanding year with the bat and topped it off on Saturday with 92,” Vernon said.
“For young Matty, since Warren’s injury he has opened the batting, I was super proud of what he did, to score his own runs and bat with Riley and deserved 50.
“I expect Riley to do what he did but I think Matt’s innings is almost more important.
“It was a complete performance from us.
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“We spoke about in some games that we didn’t get all three facets of the game together – batting, bowling and fielding – but we put them all together on Saturday and Sunday.”
Gisborne and Romsey will be joined by GDCA newcomer Broadford in 2024-25 after the club claimed the Johnstone Shield title with a four-wicket win.
Braden Hickey took 6-62 and James Ingham hit 85.
Meanwhile in Jensen Shield, Aintree was too good for St Anthony’s, claiming a 141-run victory.
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