Eynesbury let slip the opportunity to move into the Gisborne and District Cricket Association B-grade top two.
One of three teams with a 4-1-1 record, the Eagles put in a disappointing performance against St Anthonys, one of the other two sides with the same record.
Eagles playing coach Luke Castle said they didn’t stand up in a crucial game, which was shortened due to rain.
“We didn’t play well enough,” he said.
“We started well and were 1-78 off 11 overs, but then lost 6-20. Hayden [Castle] made 25 and I made 45, but there wasn’t much after that, with the club finishing on 8-127.
“We didn’t have enough runs on the board.”
The only other two batsmen to reach double figures were number nine Darren McCrae and number 10 Tyson Orr, who both finished 13 not out.
Robert Strugnell and Daniel Tennant took three wickets each for the Saints.
The Saints chased down the runs with ease, finishing 2-131. John Jensen finished 60 not out, his best score of the season.
The loss is the Eagles second for the season, both of which have come against the Saints. They also struggled against Wallan, the other team above them on the ladder, in a match which ended in a draw.
Castle said the result on Saturday will dint their top two hopes.
He said the focus now was ensuring they remain in the top four and get back to playing some good cricket.
The Eagles’ remaining matches are all against sides outside the top four.
“I said to the boys, we would have been second had we won, so it was a crucial game.
“We have to get Tristan Francis to come back and a few other guys will return as well.
“We’re a really young side and we need to get that experience back into the side to help the young boys.
“I’m not worried about ladder position as long as we make finals. I want the boys playing a good brand of cricket heading into finals.”
In other results, Wallan ensured it remained on top with an easy win against Bacchus Marsh.
The Magpies made 2-109 in reply to the Bulls 106.
East Sunbury easily accounted for Riddell and Macedon keeps the pressure on the top four, defeating Kyneton.
The match between Ashfield and Gisborne ended in a draw due to rain.
In the McIntyre Cup, rain meant just one game ended with a result.
Riddell was the side to benefit, beating Rupertswood and moving to the top of the ladder.
Rupertswood made just 90. The Bombers made 5-93 in reply.
For more photos of the Eynesbury and St Anthonys game and other GDCA games, CLICK HERE
