VTCA 2020-21: Sunshine United thumps Aberfeldie in Round 1

Sunshine United was tipped as a big improver in the VTCA’s top grade after a fruitful off-season — and the Tigers delivered in Round 1.

Roshan Laksiri fired with bat and ball for Sunshine United. Picture: Andy Brownbill

It’s only Round 1 but it appears the hype was justified.

Sunshine United was tipped as a big improver in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association this season – and Saturday’s mauling of Aberfeldie would have done little to halt the enthusiasm.

The Tigers produced a consummate team performance to cruise to a 137-run victory over the promoted side, issuing a statement to their Senior Division rivals.

After finishing second-last in 2019-20 and securing a relegation reprieve when the top grade was expanded to 10 clubs, it was a tremendous start to the new season.

Tom Duxson goes on the attack for the Tigers. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“Our team has grown from strength to strength over the seasons, which is definitely one of our strategic plans as a club,” skipper Neetan Chouhan said.

“We would love to be in the top four this season, but it’s still Round 1 only.

“We can only focus on the next game.”

While tougher tests await, the opening combination of the returning Chouhan and star recruit Kaushal Lokuarachchi is good enough to test any bowling attack.

They shared a 61-run stand in the opening-round encounter, but there will be no doubt great returns to come.

Chouhan top-scored with 42, while Lokuarachchi contributed 24.

No.3 Leigh Sheridan (26), No.4 Tom Duxson (28) and No.6 Roshan Laksiri (26) also chipped in as Sunshine United tallied a healthy 216 from 38.4 overs.

Abers were never in the hunt slipping to 3-13 before crumbling to be all out for a paltry 79 in 21.3 overs.

Laksiri led the way with 3-13 and was well-supported by Duxson (2-19), Michael Glowacki (2-24), Tom O’Brien (1-19), Lokuarachchi (1-1) and Rhys Dodemaide (1-1).

Glowacki, who was limited to six games last season because of injury, claimed the key wicket of Aberfeldie captain Craig Sheedy for a first-ball duck, with Tigers gloveman Sangaran Nandhalal completing the catch.

Sangaran Nandhalal gets on the front foot for Sunshine United. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“The seamers did really well to get the first few wickets and then the slower bowlers came in,” Chouhan said.

“When we got their big scalp (Sheedy) for the third wicket, it was pretty hard for them to come back from that.

“I think it was just a bit of pressure and us understanding the conditions a lot more and our opponents.

“It was a good all-round performance, really clinical, and that’s something we talked about a lot coming into this season – to be really clinical and stick to our basics. That’s what the team did.”

In other Senior Division results, Druids captain coach Michael Hay delivered a fine double of 81 not out and 3-27 to spearhead his team’s seven-wicket win over Westmeadows.

The visitors posted 182 before the Wizards reached 3-183 with 45 balls to spare.

Doutta Stars (5-213) outgunned reigning premier St Albans (179) on the back of Brenton Parchment’s 102, while Strathmore (8-132) prevailed in a close match against Haig Fawkner (128).

Yarraville Club (5-192) proved too strong for Keilor (8-155).