WALLAN successfully hosted the McIntyre Cup final for the Gisborne District Cricket Association (GDCA), with the GDCA hailing the efforts of the Magpies for putting together a good pitch in the face of severe weather challenges throughout the week.
A big event for the Magpies was threatened by heavy rain throughout the week, and there were more challenges on Saturday when more rain left more challenges to negotiate a game.
However, things finally cleared up later on Saturday, with Gisborne sent in by Woodend.
The common theme on Saturday saw Gisborne batters make starts, but not quite being able to go on with it.
Jarryd Vernon top scored with 31, while Spencer Jones added 24, Warren Kelly scored 23 and Harry Luxmoore added 20 as Gisborne made 9/185.
Thomas Robson took 3/35 to lead the way for Woodend throughout the day with the ball, while Warren Else took 2/36 and James Morley 2/41.
Woodend knew they had to negotiate the whole day’s play to earn the premiership as it finished on top of the ladder, having the choice of scoring the 186 runs needed or preserving its wicket throughout the day.
Woodend chose the latter, with Oliver Price scoring a patient 45 and Jacques Du Toit scoring 36 as it did enough to score 3/117, draw the game and earn the premiership.
Price’s 45 saw him earn man of the match honours.