Eaton on show in rout of Wests
HE pulled in career-best figures, but Wanderers all-rounder Ryan Eaton has refused to take the credit.
Eaton took his first fivewicket haul in almost two years, as Wanderers demolished a lacklustre Wests batting line-up, bowling them out for 65.
But it was the miserly way in which he went about the destruction, conceding only seven runs from his 7.2 overs.
It would set up a dominant seven-wicket bonus-point win for Wanderers as they shot back into the Townsville Cricket title race.
Rather than basking in his efforts, Eaton forced the praise to the Wanderers fast-bowling cartel which includes rising stars Jarrod Edmondson (3-7) and Shah Farhan (1-11).
“The deck was doing a little bit but it was coming off the tight bowling that our team was producing and the work in the field,” Eaton said.
“We put the pressure on them, and I just reaped the rewards. We wanted to show some energy and take some early wickets. That was the message and Eddo reacted well. He loves getting the opportunity with the new rock.”
The pair had four wickets inside the first 10 overs, as Wests selfdestructed on Mick Downey Oval.
A valiant fightback from Tony Hampson (31) and Luke Lamborn (12) fought off the rot through the middle overs, but when Eaton returned for a second spell it was danger signs.
The Wests tail gave little resistance, losing 5-5 in a late collapse, as Eaton wreaked havoc with the ball.
“For me it was just about getting that win and getting our season rolling,” Eaton said.
After a slow start to their chase Wanderers kicked into gear with Matt Ahern (26) guiding them home in over 24.
It was a tough end to a glittering career in Townsville for Wests seamer Dan Kearney who headed to Brisbane to start a new career.