Yarraville had to keep its concentration in check during a laborious run chase to overcome new boys Hoppers Crossing by five wickets in a low-scoring sub-district cricket bout on the road at Hogans Road Reserve on Saturday.
The Eagles set up their victory on the first day, bowling the hosts out for a meagre 124.
Akshat Buch, who took 10 wickets in the previous match in the seconds, was promoted to the Eagles firsts to face his old club and produced a stunning haul of 5-34 off 19 overs, while opening bowler Ross Veitch, another new recruit, was just as influential with 3-40 off 20 overs.
Those expecting the game to peter out to a cruisy Yarraville victory were in for a surprise on day two.
Hoppers Crossing made it a tough run chase, producing 30 maidens out of the 69 overs.
Dinesh Daminda was at the forefront of the stifling tactics, taking 1-13 off 15 overs, including 10 maidens.
But the Cats simply did not have enough runs to defend.
Yarraville timed its chase to perfection with Josh Hahnel the key with 38 from the middle order.
Brad Shaw (27) and Mathew O’Grady (22no) also offered meaningful contributions.
The Eagles reached the small but tricky total to get into the winners circle for the first time this summer.
They will have a pep in their step ahead of Saturday’s one-day clash with Malvern at the Yarraville Oval.
Seagulls fall short
Williamstown remains one of four teams without a win after two rounds, falling considerably short of its 254-run target against rivals Werribee at Chirnside Park, finishing on 9-174.
James Gillard (23) and Matthew Dervan (29) aside, the Gulls top-order failed to fire.
Luke Rainone offered resistance in the form of 46 from the middle order, while tail-enders Daniel Popa (19no) and Murray Ring (27no) frustrated the bowlers, but it was all to no avail for the Seagulls.
The Seagulls will host Hoppers Crossing in a must-win one-day game at Morris Street on Saturday.
A’s well placed
Altona enjoyed a solid 67-run win over Malvern at the Malvern Cricket Ground on the back of some James Grubb brilliance.
Grubb made 79 not out and took three wickets in a man of the match performance.
Aaron Maynard and skipper Shane Jones both made 77 and Stefan Sidari and Shannon Clarke took two wickets apiece.
The A’s, best placed of the local sides in fifth spot, host winless Brighton at Grant Reserve on Saturday.
