They were defending a total of 235 in overcast conditions against Mt Pritchard-Southern District.
Having been 0-14 at the end of day one, Mounties opening batters took a positive and aggressive approach from ball one, pouncing on every opportunity to punish the Eagles bowlers.
Auburn’s bowlers were struggling to find an answer to the blitzing put on by the Mounties opening batters, which had them on 0-127 at the afternoon tea break. It looked like the Eagles were on the ropes and heading for defeat.
However, after some hard discussions and self-analysis during the break, the Eagles came out firing with tight bowling and fine fielding bringing about immediate success when seam bowler, Mark Bursa took the opening wicket.
Once the opening partnership was broken, the Mounties innings quickly began to crumble, especially against the guile of the spin bowling of the Eagles Captain, Yasir Ali, who finished with an impressive 5-80 off 30 overs. Mounties eventually lost 10 wickets for 75 to be all out for 206.
In second grade, the Eagles had a comfortable win after setting a target of 299 runs, and having Mounties all out for 186.
Strike bowler Najeeb Azzimi took 5-22, while century-maker Ketan Baksl showed his all-round skills and took 4-31 with his leg spin bowling.
The Eagles third and fourth grade teams were both well beaten by Mounties and fifth grade had a washed out draw.
Next round will see the Eagles take on Georges River with First Grade back home on George Parry Oval, Mona Park.
