Altona North got the confidence boost it was after in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division on Saturday.
It’s been a tough start to the season for Altona North in the top flight but its fighting spirit was on show against Craigieburn.
Altona North needs just two wickets on day two of the match to get its first points of the season,
Captain Luke Rainone said it had been a bit of a tough start.
“The performance was definitely needed to bounce back after a tough run in the first four rounds,” he said.
“We knew it would be tough. We played Yarraville Club, Deer Park and Sydenham-Hillside in the T20s last season and we know they are the top of the league.
“They’ve been a class above. The big thing has been to stay positive and keep that mindset as the results will come in the longer term.”
While it’s been tough, Rainone said playing the top sides early in the season had given them an idea of where they need to get to.
He said it was better to find out now than later in the season.
On Saturday, Altona North won the toss and decided to bat.
It made 218 as it was bowled out for 218.
“There were elements of it we were happy with and there were elements we weren’t happy with,” he said.
“When we rocked up the pitch was a little bit difficult to bat on. Once you got in you could get value for your runs.
“Myself and Nick [Rainone] were able to get some value.
“We then had a bit of a collapse and it’s happened all season. We still have work on performing as an 11.”
Luke Rainone top scored with 83, while Nick Rainone scored 67. They were the only two batters to reach double figures.
Rainone said while ideally they would love to be batting out their 80 overs each week, it turned out to work in their favour this time round.
Altona North has the Eagles in trouble at 8-58 after day one.
Nathan Patrick has 6-14 off seven overs.
“We wouldn’t be in the position we are had we not been bowled out,” he said.
“This sets us up for next week and it was better than batting all day in hindsight.”
Rainone said they had targeted all the Eagles batters but captain Sammy Laffan, who was the only player to show any resistance.
The message heading into day two for Altona North is simple.
“We want to get two quick wickets and go again,” he said. “For us we look to improve in all facets of the game.
“If we’re provided with another opportunity to bowl for 60 to 70 overs it’s better for us regardless of the result.”
Elsewhere, Yarraville Club will need 216 against Keilor.
The Clubbers bowled the Blues out for 215 in the 77th over.
Three players took two wickets each for the Clubbers.
