By Jackson Russell
Wallan’s Johnstone Shield season is over after a seven-wicket loss to flag favourites East Sunbury at Greenhill Reserve.
Wallan was bowled out for 140 on day one, with Ryan Cumberland making 34, captain Brad Regan making 19 and Spencer Whittingham making 21.
When stumps was called on day one, East Sunbury was in a strong position having made 1/72 from 31 overs.
The Magpies were able to get a breakthrough early on day two, with coach Chris Vecchie dismissing Shannon McDorman for 39, leaving East Sunbury 2/89.
Vecchie struck again, dismissing Joshua Smith for 43 but it was all over by that point as East Sunbury was level with Wallan at 3/108.
East Sunbury finished the run chase before the match was called with the visitors 3/132.
Vecchie said it wass disappointing to be kept out of the finals with the loss.
“We didn’t make enough runs with the bat and that’s probably where the game was lost,” he said.
“Looking back on the season, it was disappointing not to make the finals with the start we had but we remained competitive for the year which was one of our aims.
“We gave ourselves a chance to play finals and we were right there until the last round.”
Vecchie said positives from the season included the performances of Kieran Atkin and Ryan Cumberland at the top of the order.
“Kieran and Ryan both scored 400 runs for the year and it was good to get Stevie Bell back after five years out of cricket, he came back and performed well with the ball,” he said.
“It was great for the two youngsters Spencer Whittingham and Lachlan Shinn-Mahony to get experience in the ones this season and hopefully they can take that forward with them.”
Wallan finished the season sixth on the ladder, just five points out of a finals spot and two points behind Rupertswood.
East Sunbury will host Gisborne and Bacchus Marsh will host Sunbury Kangaroos in the Johnstone Shield semi-finals on Saturday and Sunday.
