Sunshine United claims first win of the VTCA senior over Doutta Stars

It’s been a tough season for VTCA Senior Division premier Sunshine United but the Tigers finally broke their duck against Doutta Stars.

Sunshine United captain Neeten Chouhan.

It’s been a tough campaign for reigning VTCA Senior Division premier Sunshine United but the Tigers are finally on the board.

United broke its duck on Saturday with a five-wicket win in the grand final rematch against fellow struggler Doutta Stars.

It’s been an amazing reversal of fortunes for the two clubs that played off in the grand final series last season, both losing their opening six games.

Just nine players that played in the deciding Game 3 featured at Selwyn Park – six from Sunshine United and three from Doutta Stars – illustrating both clubs’ high turnover.

However, much like they were last March, the Tigers proved too strong for the Stars, chasing down 9-109 with 8.3 overs remaining.

Tom Duxson in action for Sunshine United. Picture: Hamish Blair

Tigers captain Neetan Chouhan hoped this wasn’t the last win of the season.

“It’s been a tough season, we made sure we celebrated but we’re not getting complacent – this was our first win,” he said.

“It was important to acknowledge our hard work.

“We don’t want this to be our only win of the season, there’s still six rounds to go, so we’ll look to find our best cricket and get a couple of more wins.

“Both teams have suffered with key players missing this season, so it’s been a rebuilding year.

“I can definitely relate to what Doutta Stars are going through, we’re in the same position, we needed to rebuild and it has to happen at some time.”

Off-spinner Qaiser Qadeer was the star with the ball, taking 3-16, to jump into the competition’s top 20 wicket-takers with eight scalps.

The Tigers fielding was also top notch with three run outs putting Doutta Stars under enormous pressure.

Leigh Sheridan batting for Sunshine United. Picture: Hamish Blair

Kartik Nigah (30) and Leigh Sheridan (17) got United off to a strong start, putting on a 45-run opening stand.

Tom Duxson (24 not out) kept the run-rate ticking over and despite a middle order stumble guided the home team to victory in the 32nd over.

“They were very impressive, particularly Kartik, he’s a young boy playing his sixth game for us in the ones,” Choutan said.

“He looked confident and played to his strength and definitely someone we see holding our flag up for a while.

“It was very clinical, we started well with the ball and had them under pressure early.

“As the afternoon went on the wicket got easier to play to be fair.

“When it came to us batting, it was important for us to have a good start and that built a strong platform chasing a small figure.”

Making his First XI debut, Josh Schwandt was Doutta Stars best bowler with 3-31.

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The win gives Sunshine United some breathing room in the relegation battle and just a game behind Westmeadows in eighth.

“Hopefully we can get a couple of more wins and gain some confidence going into the next season,” Choutan said.

“It’s only one win obviously but to open a small gap on them was very important.”

VTCA president Steve McNamara’s sudden passing has left the fixture unfinished, the Round 9 schedule it yet to be officially released.