Eagles finally taste success

Akshat Buch. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 443945_11

By Tara Murray

Things finally went Yarraville’s way as it came away with the win against Williamstown in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west on Saturday.

Both the Eagles and Seagulls have been rebuilding this season and haven’t had the results they would be used to.

The Eagles had just one win entering Saturday’s match, but could have easily had a few more on the board.

Despite a few nervous moments, the Eagles were able to get the job done.

Captain-coach Michael Sheedy said there was a bit of relief to finally get the win.

“It was much needed,” he said. “It was our most settled line up, balance wise.

“It made a big difference. Willy is in a similar position to us in a rebuilding phase and it was evident in the game.”

Sheedy said they felt they had been in every game but one this season, with their bowlers and fielders leading the way.

He said their batting had quite been where they wanted it to be.

On Saturday, the Seagulls won the toss and decided to bat.

They were bowled out for 131 in the final over with Brenton Hodges top scoring with 60.

Sheedy said they would have taken that at the start of the day but could have bowled them out for even less.

“We did have them at 7-59 at one stage,” he said. “They were always going to have a partnership and Hodges and Sean [Sturrock] didn’t take many risks and stayed out there batting some time.

“Ït was a good wicket and it was well under par. They tried hard with their batting group.”

Lewis Eldridge took 4-26 for the Eagles to be the pick of the bowlers.

The Eagles put on 40 for the first wicket before they lost three quick wickets, they were able to steady and hit the winning runs with more than five overs remaining.

They finished 5-132.

Sheedy said having Matthew Harrison, who made 55 not out, back made a big difference.

“He’s our best player,” Sheedy said. “He showed his class and it was a hard fought knock.

“Woody [Alexander Wood] is coming on now and they’re forming a nice partnership.”

Tejas Hari made 15 at the back of the innings in his first XI debut having come from Victorian Premier Cricket.

It’s the fifth debutant the Eagles have had this season.

Sheedy said with the group still learning how to win, they would take a lot out of it.

The challenges continue this week against top side Brighton in a one-dayer.

Ït doesn’t get any easier,” Sheedy said. “We’ll take the same XI this week and it’ll be the first time this year we’ve had the same team two weeks in a row.”

In other matches, Altona had a big win against Hoppers Crossing.

The Cats were bowled out for 119, with the A’s finishing 2-121 in reply.

Spotswood was able to claim the points against Caulfield.

The Woodsmen finished 4-185 in reply to Caulfield’s 8-183.