Tara Murray
Changes to the batting line up worked for Craigieburn as it opened its account in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
After showing some positive signs in the first few rounds, the Eagles put in their best performance of the season to account for Yarraville Club.
Eagles coach Chris Laffan said the win was much needed.
“The boys have not been able to put together a complete performance with the bat yet,” he said.
“We made a couple of changes in the batting order. We’ve had a pretty stable team the last few years so it will take some time with some new players.
“It’s about getting the balance right.”
After winning the toss, the Eagles were bowled out for 167 on the final ball. Jake Carlisle top scored at the top of the order, with a 50.
The move of Carlisle from number seven where he batted in the first three games, to opening was one of the moves made.
Laffan said Carlisle, who was returning to cricket with his AFL career over, had made a real impact at his junior club.
“Jake was given an opportunity at the top of the order and it was good to see him get some reward,” he said.
“He’s been great and wants to be involved in the tactics. His buy-in has been fantastic.”
While it was a better batting performance from the Eagles, Laffan said they weren’t completely happy, with the middle order failing to fire.
The Eagles bowlers were able to get the job done, bowling the Clubbers out for 141 in the 38th over.
Ben Radford took three wickets for the Eagles.
Laffan said like their batting, their bowling and fielding is still a work in progress.
“They have a quality top order and taking key wickets early was the key,” he said.
“We bowled to the plans. It takes some time with new players in the field and whether they field in or out of the circle
“It was nice to see some reward with a good result.”
With two matches this weekend, against Haig Fawkner and St Albans, Laffan and the group are keen to build some momentum.
Such is the closeness of the competition, the Eagles who are sitting ninth, are just six points outside the top four.
“It’s a really close competition this year,” Laffan said. “It feels like every game is 50-50.
“We play Saturday and Sunday this week and hopefully have our first home game.
Meanwhile, Westmeadows suffered a loss on Saturday to Haig Fawkner.
Last season’s premiers made 5-239 before restricting the Warriors to 8-171. Clayton Campbell top scored for the Warriors with 41.
