By Tara Murray
Craigieburn has put itself in prime position to get its first win on the board in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
In the final game before the Christmas break, the Eagles host Sunshine United which is also searching for its first win.
After day one, it’s in the favour of the Eagles.
Eagles coach Sean Bathman said it was a performance they had been working towards.
“I’m really happy,” he said. “They bowled really well and we got off to a good start with the bat.
“We’ve worked pretty hard at training on being competitive and it has come all together.
“It would be fantastic if we could get the win.”
The Eagles won the toss and decided to send the Tigers in. It proved to be the right decision as the Tigers were bowled out for 139.
While the Tigers lower order added some respectability to the score late, Bathman said anytime you keep a side to under 150 you are happy despite late runs added to the total.
Benjamin Radford was the pick of the bowlers for the Eagles, taking 5-51.
The Eagles then had to face 12 overs at the end of day one.
They managed to get through unscathed and will resume at 0-33.
Nathan Pappin will resume at 14 not out and Dilum Weerarathna on eight not out.
“It’s always good when the openers get through,” he said. “It’s always a weird time.
“You have 12 overs to bat but you can’t win the game, but you can set it up having not lost any wickets overnight.”
Bathman said they need to apply themselves in the same way on day two.
He said this was like a 12 point game.
Bathman, who is in his first season as coach of the side, said he was happy with how they were progressing.
“If we stick to the plans and do what we can to be successful,” he said. “We’re building every week and nothing is a certainty in cricket.
“The standards are better as well. We’re really looking forward to what we can do next week and hopefully get our first win of the year.”
Elsewhere, Westmeadows piled on the runs against Yarraville Club.
Led by captain-coach Donovan Pell the Warriors made 9-302 from their 80 overs.
Pell made 156 before being run out.
In the Steve McNamara Shield, Tullamarine has already conceded first innings points against West Coburg St Andrews.
The Demons were bowled out for 66 with the Redbacks making 5-120 before sending the Demons back in.
The Demons will resume at 1-34.
Meanwhile in the Evans Clark Shield, Roxburgh Park will resume at 0-11 in reply to Sunshine YCW’s 5-247.
In the Russell Pollock Shield, Jacana made 229 against Melton Centrals, while Donnybrook is 2-45 in reply to Moonee Ponds’ 93.
