GDCA: Lachlan Davis debuts for Eynesbury alongside his dad Jason

An Eynesbury cricketer’s 100th game turned into a day to remember as his 10-year-old son was handed a last minute first XI debut.

Jason and Lachlan Davis played their first game together for Eynesbury. Photo: Supplied.

Eynesbury’s Jason Davis will always remember February 12, 2022.

It’s the day he played his 100th game for the club.

But remarkably he was joined by his 10-year-old son Lachlan who was handed a first XI debut just moments before the match.

An injury meant the Eagles were preparing to play East Sunbury in the Gisborne District Cricket Association’s Johnstone Shield with 10 players.

Instead of going home with his mum, Lachlan was out on the field in a must-win clash for Eynesbury.

Eagles coach Tristan Francis said East Sunbury skipper Mark Wilkins deserved full credit for the way he handled the situation.

“We approached ‘Wilko’ and asked if Lachie could come out to field for us and he said we should give him a full game,” Francis said.

“It was very much by chance but it made the day extra special for Jason who probably didn’t think the opportunity to play with his son would come so suddenly.

“Lachie did a great job out in the field for us and even finished one not out.”

Jason was recalled into the first XI after scoring an unbeaten century in the seconds against Melton South a week earlier.

He finished with 21 runs off 30 balls to help his side reach 193 before it was bowled out.

Jason and Lachlan weren’t the only father-son duo in Eynesbury’s side either.

Francis was joined by his 17-year-old Josh who finished with 32 runs.

Josh then lifted his side to a win with 4-29 from eight overs as East Sunbury was bowled out for 120.

Heath Pritchard was also in fine form in his return to the first XI with 3-14 from eight overs.

“Giving parents an opportunity to play with their kids is something the club prides itself on,” Tristan said.

The 73-run win also pushed Eynesbury into the top six with three rounds remaining.

“We’ve got a tough run with games against Bacchus Marsh, Macedon and Gisborne who are all in the top four,” Tristan said.

“But if we can keep playing good cricket we’ll give ourselves a good chance of playing finals.”

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