The realisation that cricket in March would be a stretch came when the Eagles were winless at the Christmas break.

But there's a new motivation at Williamstown Road. It's to cause as much discomfort for the sides in and around the top eight as they can.

"There will be a few sides looking over their shoulder," Eagles coach George Shaw told the Weekly.

Yarraville's first target is sixth-placed Ivanhoe. The Eagles are in the box seat to cause a boilover at the Yarraville Oval when play resumes on Saturday. Ivanhoe perished for just 166 on a sound track for batting and the Eagles can sniff a second win in successive outings.

"To bowl a side out for that score at Yarraville is a terrific effort," Shaw said.

"All the boys fielded well and did all the right things. We must now finish off our work."

Alex Hewet was at the forefront of the batting collapse. The vice-captain has matured into a dependable all-rounder for the Eagles and again did a job with his swing bowling.

He finished with 4-47 off 24 menacing overs.

"The last three games he's been outstanding with bat and ball," Shaw said.

"It was a terrific return for hitting the right spots."

Leg-spinner Tim McRae worked hard to nullify the Ivanhoe batsmen.

His return of 3-27 off 14 overs was pivotal.

English import Casey Maguire finished with 2-22 off 10 overs.

He snagged two of the top-three batsmen to create uncertainly for the visitors.

The Eagles had to face eight overs before stumps and lost young opener Nick Duxson for a duck.

McRae and Leigh Holmes negotiated a safe passage to the close of play to have the Eagles 1-16.