The Easts all-rounder hammered 92 for his side after walking to the pitch with Easts reeling at 2-0 in the second over after Aaron Whackett and Ben Hanlan were both dismissed by Dan Hogan for ducks.

Francis continued to compile his innings as wickets fell around him and failed to receive any substantial support until skipper Sam Uphill [48 not out] provided some late hitting from number eight.

Easts would go on to score 8-236 and restrict City to just 8-129 in reply.

“It was a good win,” Uphill said.

“Especially after the start we had.”

Uphill said it has been a pleasure to watch Francis bat so far this season.

“I think the rep game on Sunday was the first time he’s scored under 50 this year,” he said.

“It was good to see Toddy go on and make a big one.

“He’s been a bit down on himself for making good starts and not going on.

“He’s obviously a class cricketer.”

More renowned for his work with the ball, Uphill was pleasantly surprised to be in the runs on Saturday.

“Yeah that was pretty nice,” he said.

“I was seeing the ball well.”

Easts wasted no time making inroads during their run defence.

Tyson Burey [2-13] snared Ruman Hassan [1] and the dangerous Kyle Taylor [2] early.

“Tyson bowled beautifully,” Uphill said.

“He took the new ball and had to bowl up the hill, but still bowled quick.”

Uphill, who backed up his batting with 3-26 with the ball, said he was perplexed at City’s tactics in their run chase.

“They came out and stonewalled,” he said.

“They didn’t even try and chase it.”

Easts win came in their very next opportunity after their first loss of the season to Hillgrove.

“We were disappointed with that loss to Hillgrove,” Uphill said.

“But we have a chance to redeem ourselves in two weeks.”