Francis took three wickets with the ball before blasting an unbeaten century with the bat to guide Easts to a thrilling two wicket victory over Hillgrove at Lambert Park on Saturday.

Hillgrove batted first after winning the toss and got off to a flyer with Matt Baillie (65) and Matt Schaefer (42) pummelling  Easts’ quicks.

Lochlan Elks (38) and Josh Croft (37) also played a supporting hand for Hillgrove as they drove their total up to 8-250 after their 45 overs.

Francis (3-59) was the main destroyer for Easts, while Sam Constance (2-29) also bowled well.

Easts lost Nathan Porter (2) early in reply, but fellow opener Dean Moore (43) returned to form with a brisk knock.

Jock Cartwright had been the match winner for Easts in recent weeks, but it was Francis (112 not out) who stepped up to play that role on Saturday.

His knock included 18 boundaries as the wickets fell around him.

The situation became nervy late for Easts’ skipper Sam Uphill, but he remained confident with Francis still at the crease and they eventually passed the required total with six balls to spare.

“It was another lucky win,” Uphill said.

“Without Todd’s innings we would have been in big trouble.”

Uphill said it was an outstanding performance from his all-rounder.

“He looked really good,” he said.

“It was good to see him go on with one, he’s made a fair few starts but this was his first big score.

“Todd just times the ball so well and hits it hard when he has to.

“He’s a classy bat.”

Easts are four points clear atop the table after five wins from six matches to start the season.

“I couldn’t ask for much more,” Uphill said.

“We’ve had one loss that we’ve learnt from.

“I couldn’t be happier.”