GDCA 2018-19: Sunbury United takes bragging rights over Sunbury
FAMILY ties have helped bolster Sunbury United’s pursuit of a return to Gisborne and District Cricket Association finals.
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FAMILY ties have helped bolster Sunbury United’s pursuit of a return to Gisborne and District Cricket Association finals.
United is being led by a team of Dudderidges this summer, with Archie Dudderidge appointed coach and Adam Dudderidge installed as skipper.
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Dudderidge’s other son Damian Belia, a wicketkeeper-batsman, has switched from VSDCA club Taylors Lakes, while off-spinner Mark Koutroubas is a family friend who has also crossed to Langama Park.
“We came as a group,” Archie said.
“There was my two sons playing and one of their friends.
“We have come across from Sub-District Cricket. A bit of experience in there with the young Sunbury United boys.”
The on-field trio will be key figures as Sunbury United targets a return to McIntyre Cup finals for the first time since 2014-15.
“One of the old blokes said he had been there 32 years and on the first selection Thursday night … it was the best night he had seen there,” Dudderidge said.
“As somebody new, it was nice to hear that.”
No. 3 batsman Steven Fogarty, seamer Leif Louwen-Skovdam and middle-order batsman Ryan Billinghurst will bring further experience to United’s First XI.
Dudderidge said he was bullish about the depth of young talent emerging from United’s junior teams.
“They just needed a bit of depth I think,” he said.
“That bit of experience has obviously helped.”
Sunbury United made a perfect start to Dudderidge’s reign when it disposed of local rival Sunbury with ease in Round 1.
The new skipper topscored with 50 not out from 47 balls and Fogarty contributed 37 not out as United reeled in Sunbury’s 121 in 31.4 overs.
Koutroubas was the star with the ball, snaring 5-25 from six overs.
“It’s only early days and I am sure there’s other good teams there and they have recruited well,” Dudderidge said.
“It will take a number of rounds to work out where we sit with everyone else.”
Sunbury United welcomes grand finalist Woodend to Langama Park for a one-day fixture this weekend.
Bacchus Marsh hosts Sunbury, Romsey travels to Gisborne and Wallan takes on Diggers Rest Bulla in other Round 2 fixtures.
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