By Tara Murray
Craigieburn is aiming to win at least one final in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 1 north Tony Issacs Shield competition.
Having already secured a finals spot in this grade for the first time, the Eagles take plenty of confidence into the finals series.
Where they finish in that top four will be decided on the final day of the regular season with the top four sides all playing each other.
The Eagles, who sit fourth, are playing ladder leaders Westmeadows in the final round.
Eagles captain Chris Laffan said there was a really good crowd on day one of the match to watch the two sides that have built up a good relationship in recent years.
Laffan was more than happy after day one, with his side making 227.
“The runs are good especially since we got sent in,” Laffan said.
“Wickets were hard to prepare because of the rain, but it ended up being a good batting deck.
“We were none down at tea with Jordie [Dean] and Daniel English getting through some quality bowling.
“It allowed Mick [Bury] and Josh [Eaton] to have a good hit at the end.” English top scored with 65, while Bury made 45 coming in at number eight.
Laffan said their batting depth was one of the keys for the side.
PHOTO GALLERY: Westmeadows vs Craigieburn
“We’ve got a fair few players who have sacrificed their games. They could have gone elsewhere and got some more opportunities with the bat and ball.
“Everyone is on the same page. There’s the opportunity to play finals in this grade for the first time.”
“We have an eye on winning a final and maybe even going further and winning a premiership.”
Laffan said he was happy with their total, but knows that a win isn’t assured.
He said Westmeadows is the best batting side in the competition.
“We just have to make sure we field well and build up the pressure with the ball,” he said.
“We pride ourselves on that. They have some key wickets at the top, especially CJ [Chinthaka Jaysinghe and Tarek [Moughanie].”
Laffan said all top four sides would be using the final round to try and work each other out.
Depending on results, the Eagles could face Westmeadows in the first week of finals.
A win could also see them hosting a home final.
In other matches, Greenvale Kangaroos will look to finish their season on a high.
Already assured of finishing bottom and being relegated, the Kangaroos have only pride to play for in the final round against PEGS.
On Saturday, the Kangaroos were bowled out for 159 with Matthew Kent top scoring with 48. PEGS was 3-57 at stumps.
In division 1 west, it was a crazy day between Tullamarine and Spotswood, with all 20 wickets falling.
The Demons bowled Spotswood out for just 68 with David Zahorodni taking 6-31.
The total would prove to be enough with Tullamarine bowled out for just 31.
In division 5, Jacana is 0-6 in reply to Gellibrand’s 209.
