Things are headed in the right direction for Eynesbury, it just now needs to start putting wins on the board in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield.
The Eagles have been doing a lot of work off the field and have more numbers than ever, but according to coach Jamie Bolger there’s still one piece of the puzzle they are missing.
“It has definitely been tough,” he said of the first XI. “I guess starting the season 0-3 isn’t great but we’ve been in every game, that’s the good thing.
“It’s a bit of a challenge.”
Despite finishing bottom of the Johnstone Shield last season, the Eagles remained in the same division this season.
Bolger said that was something they had wanted to do.
“When I jumped back in, we knew it was going to be a challenge for year one especially,” he said.
“It gave a good opportunity to blood some kids, It gave younger kids some experience, home grown kids.
“We had four gettable games we should have won. We’ve still been competitive and not being blown out of the water.
“The final hurdle is winning games.”
On Saturday, the Eagles fell short against Lancefield which was also trying to win its first game of the season.
The Tigers won the toss and decided to bat, making 8-159.
Josh Watson took four wickets for the Eagles, while Majid Khan took three wickets.
Bolger said they were happy with the job that the bowlers did.
“The bowlers bowled fairly well,” he said. “That has been our strength last year or two.
“(Chasing) 160 on that ground we thought was an achievable target.”
Unfortunately for the Eagles, their top order failed to fire.
While the late order showed some fight, the Eagles were bowled out for 137 in the 42nd over. Iffyan Ghazni top scored with 27.
Bolger said getting more out of their top order was something they were working on.
“It’s the key for us getting runs,” he said. “It’s been a constant theme for a year and a half.
“We’ve got a whole heap better at containing runs and bowling to a plan, it’s now building with the bat.”
Bolger said the club off field was growing and they were excited where things were heading.
“We’re confident in what we’re doing and there’s good people on the committee. We’ve now got four sides with natural growth.
“Our second XI is in the same comp as last year when it won one game for the year. They are 3-0 and we’re growing the depth at the club.”
