Sunbury United claims GDCA grand final rematch win over Bacchus Marsh

Sunbury United earnt a slice of revenge against Bacchus Marsh thanks to star turns from Damien Edwards and Amrit Sandhu on Saturday.

Damon Edwards during the GDCA Cricket match between Gisborne and Sunbury United in Gisborne, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Sunbury United exacted some small revenge for last season’s grand final loss to Bacchus Marsh on Saturday.

The Bees were a class above in the GDCA McIntyre Shield grand final rematch at Racecourse Recreation Reserve, skittling the premier for 105 and chasing it down with six overs to spare in a five-wicket victory.

“We dominated last season except for the finals, so we wanted to get that back,” United captain-coach Upul Fernando said.

“It was just a bad day for us but we’ve moved forward and we’ve talked about the areas we need to work on throughout the XI.”

Amrit Sandhu (3-24), Zach Forster (2-18) and Rajitha Mendis (2-23) got Sunbury United off to the perfect start.

Ryan Billinghurst in action for Sunbury United. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Bacchus Marsh chose to bat after winning the toss but was in immediate trouble at 3-30 before falling to 6-78 and 105 all out.

“Our bowlers did really well to get us off to a great start and then to get it done with five wickets showed our maturity,” Fernando said.

Damien Edwards then made light work of the chase, finishing unbeaten 49 – denied a well-deserved half century.

“He said to me before the season ‘Upul, I’ve got to stand up’ and I said ‘yes, you’ve got to, you’re a senior player now’ and he’s delivering on his promise,” Fernando said.

After scoring more than 200 runs last week against East Sunbury, United showed it is just as comfortable bowling first and chasing.

Steve Fogarty (55) and Sammika Perera (50) scored half centuries and Ryan Billinghurst posted 49 against the Power before Edwards stepped up this week.

“Last week Steve, Sammy and Ryano stood up and this week Damo stood up, we bat down to 10, so we’re ready for anything,” Fernando said.

“We put a good score on the board last week and this week it was the bowlers turn.

“We made 200 last week and we proved we can chase down as well this week.

“We’re planning one week at a time, we practice how we’re going to bowl that week and it’s paying off.”

United are undefeated after two rounds, looking to go one step further this season, and in another major boost have secured Liam Sherlock from East Sunbury.

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Sherlock made his United debut in the grand final rematch, making seven, but is sure to be a critical contributor after a 320-run season for the Power in 2020-21.

He slotted in at No.4, pushing Fernando and Billinghurst back to No.5 and 6 respectively and giving the Bees enviable depth.

The club will host Gisborne at Langama Park on Saturday in another test of its premiership credentials.

Elsewhere, Wallan piled on 4-209 to beat Sunbury Kangaroos (110), Gisborne (9-179) bounced back against Woodend (165), Romsey (120) edged East Sunbury (85) and Rupertswood (3-171) defeated Diggers Rest Bulla (9-169).