VTCA 2020-21: Sunshine United eyeing history-making premiership
Tipped as a big improver in the lead up to the 2020-21 VTCA season, Sunshine United has delivered to earn a shot at glory.
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Sunshine United has earned a shot at a history-making premiership after toppling Strathmore on the opening weekend of Victorian Turf Cricket Association finals.
The Tigers have never claimed a Senior Division premiership, but will have the chance to achieve the feat in a best-of-three grand final series against Doutta Stars.
The pair finished the regular season in third and fourth position on the ladder before conquering their higher-ranked rivals when it mattered, with the Stars defeating reigning premier St Albans by three wickets in the other semi.
Sunshine United was tipped to be a big improver in 2020-21 after signing VTCA great and former international Kaushal Lokuarachchi and securing the return of skipper Neetan Chouhan.
“It’s an incredible achievement by the club and everyone within the management structure of the club, including the players, to be in this grand final,” Chouhan said.
The Stars have been among the competition’s leading clubs in recent summers, losing back-to-back grand finals in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
The Tigers were crowned Division 1 premiers in 2017-18 and have since established themselves as a force in the top grade.
“They have consistently been a good team for many years,” Chouhan said of the Stars.
“They’ve got really strong core players that can take the game away, especially in one-day cricket, at any point.
“It will be a tough contest.”
United advanced after scoring a 29-run victory over Strathmore, with Saturday’s scheduled semi-final stretching into Sunday because of rain on day one.
The visitors posted 8-145 from their 40 overs after winning the toss, with Chouhan (22) the only batsman in the top eight to reach 20.
No.9 Nalin Amarathunga hit a season-best 37 from 31 deliveries to help his team recover from 7-90, combining with Daniel Pace for a match-turning 55-run stand for the eighth wicket.
Amarathunga struck a pair of sixes and a boundary to frustrate the Mores.
“He hit the ball down the ground pretty well, he hit boundaries when he needed to,” Chouhan said.
“It was a mature innings and a really good innings on a wicket where most other batters were struggling to get runs.
“It just demonstrates the depth of our team.
“Each and every player contributes … and sometimes in major moments.”
Strathmore mustered just 116 from 38.2 overs in reply against a disciplined bowling attack.
Roshan Laksiri led the way with 3-24, while Lokuarachchi (2-17) and Leigh Sheridan (2-30) also impressed.
“All the bowlers put their hand up, especially our spinners on a wicket that was conducive to spin,” Chouhan said.
“They got crucial wickets at crucial times.
“I think the score doesn’t reflect how tense the game was.”
The first two matches of the grand final series will be staged at Albion’s Selwyn Park on Saturday and Sunday.
The third game, if required, will be played on March 27.
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