Two comfortable victories for the Belgrove Eagles on the ISL's first doubleheader night put them in a commanding position at the top of the table, as they finished their first round of games with three wins from three.

In the first match of the evening, Eagles won the toss and chose to put Roebuck in first. True to his outdoor form and experience against pace, Rhinos' South African opener Jeremy Dunleavy batted out the full twelve overs, as his side lost only two wickets. Usman Haroon took his first wicket of the competition, bowling McGreal, before Belgrove skipper Mustafa Haris dismissed his opposite number Robert Maweni, who had to be given out by the square leg umpire after unknowingly deflecting the ball onto his stumps. Though Belgrove's usual pace attack was in full flow, along with tricky legspin from Jonathan Knox, it was untidy, with five of the six bowlers giving up at least three wides and no-balls each.

With Eagles set a respectable target of 100, they began slowly thanks to the tight medium pace of Knockharley's Alan Elliott, who took the scalp of the free-hitting Usman Haroon. After taking a fine catch to give Aneeq Ahmed his first ISL wicket, Dunleavy got in on the act with the ball, bowling wily Australian Bard Ovenden before he could get into his stride.

With half of Eagles twelve overs behind them, they had only half the required total on the board. However, any hopes for a tight finish were dashed by the double-act of Adrian Huang and his captain, who slogged away, with two wickets in hand. In the tenth over, it was left to Mustafa Haris to finish the game in fine style with a six for a two-wicket victory.

This victory put Belgrove on six points from two games, overtaking Merville. Roebuck remain without a point after two games.

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In the evening's second encounter, the new league leaders faced a Merville Magic side eager to continue their good form after a memorable opening night victory over the Rhinos. However, it proved to be a disappointing night for the all-blacks as they slumped to a 43-run defeat to a now rampant Eagles, sharp and warmed up from their earlier victory.

Winning the toss, Magic skipper Paul O'Hara put Eagles in first, but it proved a fateful error as his side gave up 57 runs from the first five overs, as Ovenden and Huang ran riot with the bat, before being eventually dismissed by Darnell (for 40) and O'Hara (for 41), respectively. Usman Haroon was next in to continue his good form, making 31 before being run out.

Two wickets in two balls by Adam Darnell and a staunched the flow of runs somewhat, but the damage had already been done. Merville, desperately short on full-time batsmen, would have to make 144.

The Merville opening pair of Boos and Ennis came up against the full force of the Eagles attack, now firmly in its stride. The first over saw Nagesh Yadav bowl the league's first maiden, a fine achievement in this format of the game. Bowling the three-overs allowed, his figures read 3-1-2-3, including three wides. Usman Haroon had Brendan Cummings caught behind, ending his brave effort from no.3, while Jonny Knox sent O'Hara packing for 3 after he bottom-edged a wide ball to Haris, who replaced Huang at wicketkeeper. Robert Jones quickly followed for 10, bowled by Usman Haroon.

Batting at number seven, tailender Gavin Robinson gave the Merville innings some respectability, putting the hundred up with an assured, if unprecedented 26 not out, assisted by cricket novice Mo Ahmed, who made a commendable 9. A night of horrors for the Magicians, but an ISL master class from Mustafa's men.


Captains' thoughts:

After the two victories, Belgrove skipper Haris had nothing but praise for his charges. 'When we rally together as a team we can be the best in the competition,' he gushed. 'We came into these matches expecting tough competition and weren't disappointed, but the determination and talent of the lads really shone through. I'm proud to captain these fine individuals'.

When asked if his side may become over-reliant on Nagesh Yadav's prodigious ability wth the ball, Haris acknowledged the bowler's talent but was quick to praise the efforts of his entire team. He said 'Nagesh is a fantastic bowler, possibly the best in the ISL, but you have to remember, there are nine or ten overs aside from his spell. Players like Jonny Knox, Usman Haroon and Bard Ovenden can step up to the mantle whenever needed, which they've clearly shown after these fantastic back-to-back results. These are team victories, the lads have been outstanding'.

After the high of their opening night victory over Roebuck, Magic captain O'Hara could salvage little consolation from his side's 43-run drubbing by the Eagles. 'As a team who rely so much on bowling, it was really unpleasant to see us get whacked around in the way we did by their opening three, even if they are fine players. Our fielding wasn't up to our expected standard either, aside from some great catching from Owen Ennis.' As for the batting - 'Despite their best efforts, it was so hard for our openers facing Nagesh, his pace can be almost unplayable, especially when he puts it on a decent length. Musti and Usman offer little respite ether, and Jonny Knox is going to be a fine spinner.'

There was however, some light relief to be found in the batting performance of his number seven. 'I was delighted for Gav, he can be very proud of that knock against such a disciplined attack. He's not so keen on running either, so at least he was kind enough to hit a couple of fours and sixes'

Not as despondent as his Merville counterpart, Rhinos skipper Maweni was delighted with his side's effort against whom he conceded were a superior outfit. 'It was a superb performance from the team, especially the bowling. We just lost out to a better side on the night.' Despite having no points from two games, he remained confident of a Roebuck resurrection: 'If we play like that every night, there's every chance that we can get into, and win the ISL Final'.

Game day four (Nov 11) will be a doubleheader, where Glenomena Giants will face Roebuck Rhinos and then Merville Magic. All teams will then have completed one round of fixtures.