By Tara Murray
Eynesbury is looking on this season as one to rebuild in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s Johnstone Shield District Firsts competition.
After losing a number of players, including former captain Hayden Castle and coach Luke Castle, the Eagles have decided to reset.
Tristan Francis, who was one of three gun batsmen along with the Castle brothers the past couple of seasons, has been named captain-coach.
Speaking after the Eagles second round loss to Rupertswood on Saturday, Francis said the team was rebuilding.
“We’re headed in a new direction and it’s about finding our identity as a community team,” he said.
“We want to get Eynesbury people into the team. We want to try and get the kids through.”
As a result, the Eagles’ top side this season has little experience to draw on.
Three players, Ryan Cran, Joshua Oldfield and Zach Micallef, who are still eligible to play under-15s, lined up in the opening round for the Eagles. Oldfield, opened the bowling on Saturday.
Francis said several players have not played at this level before.
“Someone like Dan Stark was playing in G-grade last season. He has been fantastic behind the stumps.”
Francis said he could not fault the effort in the opening two rounds, but they had been out-classed.
On Saturday, they had their moments against Rupertswood. The Eagles made 7-182. Francis, who made 100, was happy with that score.
“We batted quite well,” he said. “Last week we lost patches of wickets. This game we were able to build some partnerships.
“Trent [Wemyss] and myself made 111 for the first wicket. It was good to get some runs.
“My plan was to bat for as long as possible … I got to the 100 before I threw it away.”
With 182 on the board, Francis was confident they could get the job done.
Jordan Curran quickly ended that, as he destroyed the Eagles’ bowling attack.
Francis said they were hit to all areas of the ground as Rupo made 3-185 in just 23 overs.
“We were 40-50 runs short at the end of the day,” he said. “Shashi [Siriwardana] bowled extremely well without any luck. The ball went through the slips and just fell short of fielders. He was the pick of the bowlers.”
The Eagles this week face Bacchus Marsh, which is also without a win.
At the other end of the ladder, St Anthonys made it two from two with a good win against East Sunbury.
The Saints made 5-202 with Paul Scott making 118 not out.
The Thunder made 5-180 in reply.
Other winners were Ashfield and Riddell.
FOR MORE GDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/rupertswood-clips-eagles-wings/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/still-plenty-to-roar-about-for-sunbury/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/gisborne-now-two-for-two/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/unbeaten-bacchus-marsh-still-warming-up/
