Eynesbury got its first real test in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association B-grade season, but was left disappointed.
The Eagles, which have won their first three games quite easily, faced a challenge against
undefeated St Anthonys.
After a poor week one, when they conceded nearly 300 runs, the Eagles struggled with the bat on Saturday and were beaten convincingly.
Eagles playing coach Luke Castle said it was a poor game overall.
“It wasn’t a good day and we were chasing 100 runs too many to start with.
“It was good to see where we are at and we were missing three players from our best side … Next time we will have a real crack.
“Chasing 300 without our best side was always going to be hard.”
The Eagles, who had scored 290 plus in the past two games, were bowled out for 159 in the 59th over.
Castle said the side was a little shell-shocked after its top order didn’t get the normal start it was accustomed to.
Opener Tristan Francis was one of those missing, while the Castle brothers, Luke and Hayden, weren’t able to continue their outstanding form.
“There’s a lot of pressure on Hayden when we are chasing 300,” Castle said.
“We lost Hayden early and boys were shell-shocked as they expected him to make a lot of runs. It didn’t work out that way.”
For the Saints, skipper Cameron Clayton was the pick of the bowlers taking 3-41.
Despite the loss, Castle said there had been a lot of positives out of the first four rounds.
“We were hoping to be competitive, but the way we’ve been playing I think we could play finals,” he said.
“Making finals would be a success for us with a really young side and our first season in B-grade.”
This week, the Eagles face Wallan, which is also coming off its first loss of the season.
Castle said it would be another good test to see where they sit within the competition.
“I see Wallan as flag favourites,” he said.
“If we perform well it’s a good indication of where we are at. From what I’ve been told, they had six or seven players out.
“We are expecting them to bounce back.”
In other results, Bacchus Marsh had a big win against Macedon.
The Bulls, who made 5-282 on day one, bowled Macedon out for 188. Lachlan Payne took 3-18.
Gisborne’s 7-327 was too much for Kyneton, Ashfield upset Wallan and East Sunbury was too good for Riddell in the other games.
