Tara Murray
Eynesbury opened its account in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield on Saturday.
After not much luck in the first couple of rounds, the Eagles put in a strong performance with both bat and ball against Diggers Rest Bulla.
President and first XI player Brandon Shearson said it was nice to finally get on the board.
“It has been a lot of hard work with no reward, he said. “We finally for some reward and it was good to get the win.”
The Eagles made 6-303 on day one with Tristan Francis making 152 not out as he batted through the day in hot conditions.
Shearson said having 300 on the board gave their bowlers a decent platform to work with.
The Burras were bowled out for 206. Justin Cleur top scored with 50.
“The bowlers kept it tidy enough,” he said. “They bowled well throughout that day and were able to get the odd wicket.
“The run rate went up and they had to make quick runs and more wickets fell.”
Zach Micallef took three wickets for the Eagles.
The win move the Eagles from bottom to fifth, on the same amount of points at the fourth placed Burras.
hearson said they’d had some good form without getting the results.
He said they were hoping this would kick start their season and they could hopefully work their way onto finals contention.
It was a big weekend for the Eagles, with Francis becoming the club’s second life member.
Shearson said that Francis had done so much for the club.
Francis will play his 100th game for the club this weekend, before he moves to Western Australia.
Shearson said the criteria for life membership is normally 150 games but said Francis was an exception due to his contributions on and off the field.
“He’s leaving the club and he leaves some big shoes to fill,” he said. “He’s had the coaching and captaincy role on and off and he’s been president.
“When he took over at the club there was a little bit of a reputation. He did a lot of a hard work and we now have a good reputation.
“It was a bit of a surprise, he was honoured by it.”
The Eagles this week face Eastern Hill for the first time.
Eastern Hill is coming off a win against Aintree on Saturday.
Eastern Hill made 9-239 on day one before bowling Aintree out for 176.
East Sunbury was the other winner on the weekend.
