By Tara Murray
Bundoora caused the upset of the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Barclay Shield season on Sunday, winning through to the grand final.
The Bulls, who had sealed its finals hopes in the final round, came up against minor premiers Riverside in a semi final.
It was a dominant performance with the ball that set up the shock win for the Bulls.
President Stuart Adams said it was a really good feeling for the side and club.
“It’s been a big couple of days,” he said. “It is exciting.
“We did exceptionally well. I think the last Barclay Shield grand final we played in was 2001-02 so it has been more than 20 years.
“Everyone at the club is right behind them.”
Riverside won the toss on Saturday and decided to bat first, hoping to put the pressure back on Bulls.
It was the other way round, with the Bulls bowling Riverside out for just 91.
Shupinder Taggar took four wickets for the Bulls, while Narinder Sharma took three wickets.
Adams, who was playing in the Bulls second XI, said he was told it was a really good performance.
“Sunny and Narinder didn’t let them get away,” he said. “Angus [Smith] and Clayton [McCartney] took a couple of brilliant catches that really turned the game.”
The Bulls took their time late on day one and then early on day two as they chased down the runs.
While they were at 4-56, the Bulls were able to get the runs with four wickets down.
They ended up making 167.
Taggar top scored with 58, while there were four players who scored 20 each.
“Anything can happen, even when you’re chasing 91,” he said. “It was good to see them get it done.
“Sunny made sure of it. It was tense, but we got the job done.”
Riverside decided to try for a reverse outright win, which Adams said came as no surprise.
Riverside made 6-167 in its second innings, meaning it needed to bowl the Bulls out for 90 to win.
Jason Kaminski and Taggar took two wickets each for the Bulls.
The Bulls showed composure and were 2-55 when the match was called off.
It was a big weekend for the Bulls, with their second XI beating South Morang and also winning through to the grand final.
Adams said they were always confident they had the talent in the club to have both sides into the grand final.
“You have to put it on the park and have a bit of luck,” he said. “We’ll see what happens.”
In the Barclay Shield final, the Bulls will face Rosanna in the grand final.
In the Money Shield, Rosebank and Eltham will face off in the grand final.
