Francis stars for Eagles

Eynesbury’s Tristan Francis. (Shawn Smits) 203262_09

Eynesbury had a strong day with the bat in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield on Saturday.

Searching for their first win of the season, the Eagles decided to bat against Diggers Rest Bulla in warm conditions.

The Eagles made 6-303 from their 75 overs.

Tristan Francis batted through the inning, finishing 152 not out off 211 balls.

Ryan Cran made a solid contribution of 65 after coming in early on.

Darren Quarrell was the pick of the bowlers for the Burras, taking 3-75.

In other matches, Aintree will need 240 for the win against Eastern Hill on day two.

Jake Wright top scored for Eastern Hill with 68 and was well supported by the middle and lower order.

Navjinder Singh took three wickets for Aintree as it bowled out Eastern Hill for 239.

In the other Johnstone Shield match, Kilmore is 2-10 in reply to East Sunbury’s 193.

Blake Watson top scored with 34 for the Thunder.

In the Jensen Shield, Harkness had a big win against Sunbury United.

Batting first, Harkness was bowled out for 270 on the final ball.

Mandeep Singh Aujla top scored with 79.

The Bees never got close, bowled out for 132 in the 31st over.

Skipper Simarjeet Singh took 5-26 to be the pick of the bowlers.

After five rounds, Harkness sits second.