Sunshine United and Strathmore can’t be separated after 80 overs
Saturday’s clash between VTCA Senior Division heavyweights Sunshine United and Strathmore didn’t disappoint as they played out a thrilling tie.
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Saturday’s first v third VTCA Senior Division clash didn’t disappoint with Strathmore and Sunshine United playing out a thrilling tie.
The teams were locked at 199 apiece after 80 overs with the Mores being held to a single on the final ball of the match.
Usually a rare result, it’s the second tie in as many years in the competition after Doutta Stars and St Albans couldn’t be separated last season.
Strathmore skipper John Bassi lamented the opportunity lost but has been pleased with how his young team has stepped up this season.
“We walk away with three point, which is better than no points,” he said.
“Sunshine are a very good team with plenty of experience and we’ve got a very inexperienced team when you look at our bottom five or six players.
“We lost three key players from last year, so we’ve been really happy with how we’re progressing.
“We’ve been giving our young guys a go, it’s great for these kids to get exposed to the level against Sunshine, St Albans, Yarraville and Doutta.”
Batting first at Selwyn Park, United lost captain Neeten Chouhan third ball to his opposite number Bassi before a 109-run stand between Tom Duxson (85) and Leigh Sheridan (56) helped it reach 4-199.
Bassi was the pick of the Mores bowlers, claiming 2-36.
Strathmore suffered a major blow when coach Omar Phillips fell first ball in the chase but looked on track with Chris Williams (85) and Lucas Kennedy (64) at the crease.
The visitors needed 11 off the final two overs and seven off the last but Sunshine’s attack held under immense pressure.
“It was a game of two halves, our first 20 with the ball was really good but then they got on top of us in their second 20,” Bassi said.
“And it was the opposite with our batting, we did really well in our first 20 and struggled in our second 20.
“It was probably my fault to be honest, in the third last over I just couldn’t hit the ball.
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“It’s disappointing because we probably lost it rather than them – not winning – but getting the draw. The game was in our hands.”
“For Chris Williams to stand up after Omar went out first ball and get 85 was fantastic. He put the team on his shoulders and carried us through.”
Sunshine United retains top spot on the Turner Shield ladder while Strathmore is six points back in third and seven points clear of Yarraville Club in fifth.
The Mores return to Syd McGain Oval on Saturday when they host Aberfeldie, while United face the Clubbers.
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