Sunbury United claim extraordinary one-run win over Woodend
Just as all seemed lost, Sunbury United snatched one of the most extraordinary wins in GDCA history on Saturday, defeating Woodend by one run.
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It must surely be one of the most extraordinary wins in Gisborne District history.
Sunbury United faced almost certain defeat with Woodend needing 10 runs for victory with four wickets in hand at Gilbert Gordon Oval on Saturday.
Senura Perera put the Bees back in the game with back-to-back wickets, missing out on a hat-trick.
The Hawks then got it down to just two runs to win with two wickets remaining but if sport has ever taught us anything it’s expect the unexpected.
Fabian Fernando was the match-winning hero, taking two wickets in four balls to snatch a famous one-run victory and spark celebrations.
It was a stunning end to a superb all-round performance from Fernando.
United skipper Upul Fernando said his team never lost confidence.
“When we were bowling things weren’t going in our favour, it was wet and the ball was soaked to be honest,” Fernando said.
“We came back strong and it’s a great win to boost our confidence.
“We’re always confident but we handled the situation really well.
“Danny (Furnell) changed the momentum and then Senura came on got two wickets and changed the game, which was fantastic.
“Fabian bowled an absolutely brilliant over, so I still think we deserved the win.”
After agonisingly missing out on a maiden century with the bat, scoring 94, Fernando claimed 3-36 with the ball.
The Bees star now has 265 runs - 14th most overall - at an average of 33.13 as well as 13 wickets - equal eighth most.
Perera finished with 4-57 in an equally crucial effort and Damien Edwards scored 70 in a 113-run opening stand with Fernando.
“Damien and Fabian put on a beautiful partnership together at the start, Fabian from the word go was very fluid,” Fernando said.
“I know he missed out on his first McIntyre hundred but he did the job for us and he’s still happy with the way he played with bat and ball.
“We can’t forget about Damien, he’s a run-machine, he makes the game so much easier and gave us a great start.”
Steve Fogarty added 42 as Sunbury United posted 6-238.
Andrew Cullen snared 4-42 to be Woodend’s clear standout with the ball.
In response, Hamish McDonald top-scored with 68, while contributions from skipper Marcus Stewart (46), Warren Else (38) and Daniel Eastley (28) looked to have Woodend cruising.
However, the Hawks fell apart when McDonald fell to Perera with just 10 runs to get, losing 4-8 in a heart-stopping finish.
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Fernando said the only luck was getting to play the game in the first place.
“We got lucky just to play the game, the Romsey-Gisborne game got called off,” he said.
The win sees Sunbury United sit third before runaway leaders Gisborne and Romsey and 12 points clear of Sunbury Kangaroos in fourth.
Elsewhere, Macedon (7-161) was too good for Diggers Rest Bulla in a 25-run victory and Rupertswood (9-220) claimed a win under Duckworth-Lewis over Sunbury Kangaroos (119).
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