VTCA 2020-21: Sunshine United recruit Kaushal Lokuarachchi finds form

Sunshine United is sitting pretty on top of the VTCA Senior Division ladder, with its headline signing and gloveman starring in a big win over the reigning premier.

Sangaran Nandhalal has been in impressive form for Sunshine United. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Star recruit Kaushal Lokuarachchi posted his first half-century for his new club as Sunshine United moved to the top of the ladder with victory over reigning premier St Albans on Saturday.

The Tigers’ four-wicket win in the blockbuster top-of-the-table Victorian Turf Cricket Association clash was highlighted by Lokuarachchi’s vital hand of 66.

Skipper Neeten Chouhan (31) and gun wicketkeeper-batsman Sangaran Nandhalal (30 not out) also made important contributions as their team secured the points with 14 balls to spare.

Sunshine United skipper Neeten Chouhan Picture: Mark Wilson

Sunshine United finished 6-163 in response to St Albans’ 8-162, improving its Senior Division win-loss record to 6-1.

Former Sri Lanka international Lokuarachchi, who crossed from Keilor over the off-season, had a lean start to 2020-21 by his lofty standards.

But a move from the top of the order to No.4 after the Christmas break has paid dividends, with Lokuarachchi logging 96 runs from two knocks.

The all-rounder, who also claimed 2-12 at the weekend, is one of the leading performers in the VTCA and owns two competition medals.

“That’s probably where’s suited to bat,” Tigers president Mark Dalrymple said of Lokuarachchi’s shift down the order.

“He opened last season for Keilor in the one-dayers, but it was with the white ball. Now it’s with the red ball.

“His red-ball cricket, regardless of whether it’s one-dayers or two-dayers, he was batting at four. That’s why the coaching staff thought about putting him down the order and he felt more comfortable there.

“It’s pleasing he’s got some runs and it’s good for him too because he was feeling a little bit of pressure I think.”

Dalrymple also lauded the efforts of Nandhalal, who lifted his season tally to 247 runs at 49.4.

He has also claimed nine catches behind the stumps and been involved in three run outs.

“He’s a great player, Sangaran, a really good cricketer,” Dalrymple said.

“He’s been our best bat for probably quite a few years now.”

Sunshine United was tipped to be a big improver in the top grade this summer after securing Lokuarachchi and the return of Chouhan.

The Tigers’ only defeat came against Druids, while they have top-four rivals Doutta Stars and St Albans.

They will host second-ranked Strathmore in another top-of-the-table encounter this weekend.

Dalrymple said the club had not exceeded expectations after last season’s seventh-placed finish.

“We thought with our bowling depth and our batting improving with those two players (Lokuarachchi and Chouhan), that we were definitely playing for a spot in the four,” he said.

“I don’t think we’re above expectations. From a club point of view, I think we’re playing to expectations.”