Eynesbury falls short

Eynesbury's Hayden Castle Picture Damian Visentini

Eynesbury put up a brave fight but fell 45 runs short against Wallan in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association B-grade semi-final.

Entering the final as underdogs against the minor premiers, the Eagles pushed the Magpies for much of the game, before falling short.

The Magpies, who have put on some big scores this season, again looked headed for a big total.

Kieran Atkin returned to form after a lean period to score his fourth century of the season, as he anchored the innings.

The Magpies were all out for 254, leaving the Eagles a job to do.

Luke and Hayden Castle took four wickets apiece for the Eagles.

The key for the Eagles was their top order as Tristian Francis and the two Castle brothers are all capable of hitting big scores.

Francis and fellow opener Jackson Spencer were both out in quick succession leaving the Eagles 2-31.

That brought the two Castle brothers together and they put on 103 for the third wicket, before Luke fell for 44.

The key moment of the Eagles innings was when they lost three quick wickets to go from 3-171 to 6-174. The third of those wickets was that of skipper Hayden Castle for 88.

The Eagles battled on, but were soon all out for 210.

Scott Gilchrist took three wickets for the Magpies.

Wallan will face St Anthonys in the grand final, pitting the two best sides of the season against each other.

 

Tara Murray