After being soundly defeated in their opening two games, Albany beat Eastern Goldfields by 180 runs at Lilac Hill in Midland.

Batting first, Albany struggled to reach 6/106 but an unbeaten 72 from Brad Davidson and a quickfire 45 from Gavin Morgan boosted the tally.

Possibly the best effort though came from top order batsman Nathan Dovey who bravely returned after retiring hurt to smash four sixes in his unbeaten 40.

Dovey copped a ball to the head with the first delivery he faced and was rushed to a nearby hospital where x-rays revealed a broken jaw and fractured cheekbone.

His heroics boosted the Albany score to 7/238 after their 60 overs and put them into a winning position.

Eastern Goldfields struggled in reply as Hayden Burling and Julian Crudelli each grabbed three wickets to put them on the back foot.

Skipper Craig Tonkin and paceman Craig Doncon then each took two wickets as Albany had skittled the opposition for just 58.

The win was a relief for Tonkin who said it was a good effort to rebound.

“The guys have been a bit low on confidence but that effort was more like we expected,” Tonkin said.

“We are a better team than we have showed on the first two days which I guess is a confidence thing.”

Tonkin said conditions were tough, with extreme heat greeting his players.

“They are very different conditions up here, which has put a lot of guys out of their comfort zone,” he said.

“Hopefully now we can kick on and register another couple of good wins.”

Earlier in the week Albany collapsed from a strong position at 2/112 to be all out for 178 against Upper Great Southern.

Tonkin made 43 and Andrew Hagnhofer and Nathan Dovey 38 each but when they departed, the rest of the batting folded.

In reply, Uppers made 5/258 with Garth Nottle making an even 100 while Gavin Morgan claimed two wickets.

A number of dropped catches and some poor bowling cost Albany dearly in the 42 degree heat at Charles Veryard Oval in North Perth.