Neeten Chouhan’s maiden VTCA century celebrates Sunshine United milestone

Neeten Chouhan’s long-awaited maiden VTCA century topped Sunshine United’s milestone celebrations but a big finish awaits next week.

Neeten Chouhan’s long-awaited maiden VTCA century has put Sunshine United in a strong position in its top-of-the-table clash against Haig Fawkner.

The Zimbabwean opener smashed 109 to reach triple figures for the first time in Tigers colours as the 2020-21 Senior Division premier posted 277 at Selwyn Park on Saturday.

Chouhan’s 180-ball knock included 13 boundaries and a six as he bettered his previous high-score of 99.

The Tigers stalwart – he debuted in 2014-15 – combined with Alex Burton (62) for a 120-run second-wicket partnership to set a strong foundation.

United coach Henry Popinski rated it as one of the best he’d seen.

Neeten Chouhan in action for Sunshine United.

“Neets batted really, really well, from the first ball he looked on,” Popinski said.

“He played some shots that were text book and went on with it and I don’t think he gave a chance all day.

“We had our 75th anniversary function so there was quite a crowd there to watch it, it was a good day.

“Alex hasn’t played cricket for a couple of years and has taken a little while to find his feet.

“Since Christmas I think he’s been rock-solid, he got 60-odd last week against Craigieburn and follow it up this week.”

Chouhan fell with the Tigers 3-202 as Haig Fawkner fought back into the contest.

Sunshine United lost 4-15 before Matthew Sipala (35) steadied the ship, while evergreen bowler Amit Chaudhary took 4-43 and Aziz Ullah claimed 3-48 for Haig.

With runs on the board, Popinski said his team couldn’t afford to have a lapse in concentration next week.

“We probably left ourselves a bit short of what we should have got, given the start, but they’re on top of the ladder for a reason,” he said.

“If you’d said to me 277 at the start of the day I would have taken it, so now it’s up to us to finish the job next week.

“We’ve got to be careful because they do bat deep but the runs are on the board and if we can hold our catches and bowl consistently we’ll give it a shake.”

It’s been a strong bounce back season for Sunshine United after narrowly avoiding relegation last season following its breakthrough premiership in 2020-21.

The Tigers sit second on the Senior Division ladder, equal on points with Aberfeldie in third, two points in front of Yarraville Club in fourth and six points in front of Deer Park and Craigieburn in fifth and sixth.

The club faces Druids at home and Keilor away in the final two games of the home-and-away season.

Popinski knows his team can’t afford a slip up in a tight battle for the top-four.

“(Haig Fawkner) are two games clear but if we drop games, we have to win two of the last three,” he said.

“We’ve got Druids, who are a local rival, we played in the Sunshine Cricket Association back in the day, and no matter where we are on the ladder it’s a good game.

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“Then we’ve got Keilor who are coming hard, so we’ve got to win two of three to assure ourselves of a place in finals, which will be great after finishing near the bottom last season.

“We’ve recruited well this year and the guys have been doing really well and our experienced guys have stood up.”

Elsewhere in Senior Division, Mitch Johnstone’s 43 saw Yarraville Club post 176 against Aberfeldie and Upul Bandera’s 76 and Ricky Suvada’s 66 guided Deer Park to 9-289.

St Albans will have to defend 146 against Druids and Keilor (2-76) are within reach of first innings points against Westmeadows (110).