VTCA: Sunshine United record important win over Westmeadows

Sunshine United’s coach admits even he has been shocked by the immediate impact of five recruits as the Tigers scored a big win. Here’s why.

Sunshine United knew it had to be patient to start the season.

But it’s hard for the Tigers’ faithful to not get excited about the potential of their side.

With five fresh faces introduced at the start of the season, coach Henry Popinski believed it would be several weeks before they started to fire.

But on Saturday, they produced their best performance of the season so far to end Westmeadows’ unbeaten start to the campaign with a seven-wicket win.

Importantly for the Tigers, their recruits were in the thick of the action.

David Worthington posted a match winning 43 runs and took 1-16, Daniel Raniolo posted an unbeaten 41 and Matt Sipala took 2-31.

Sunshine United's recruits have made an impressive start to the season. Photo: Facebook.

“One thing I spoke to the guys about at the start of the season was we couldn’t expect these guys to come in and do well in every game straight away,” Popinski said.

“They’re were going to be inconsistencies as they adjusted to playing with their new teammates. Our focus has been on an even team performance.

“All I ask is everyone to be contributors and then we’ll be a difficult cricket team to play against.”

After sending Westmeadows into bat, United would have had a simpler run chase if not for some late order hitting from Jackson Smith (22 runs off 29 balls) and Rhys Gleisner (26 off 10).

But the home side eventually cruised to victory inside 28 overs.

Tom O’Brien. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“The only downside from the weekend was they got away from us a little bit at the end of their innings,” Popinski said.

“Otherwise I couldn’t have been happier. Our top order hadn’t really fired yet this season and they managed to put it together.

“Overall it was a comfortable performance. I feel like we have been building and the best is still to come for us.”

In other Senior Division matches, Yarraville Club came away with a 37-run victory over St Albans.

Trent Lawford was again in brilliant form after top scoring with 48 runs from 33 balls.

Druids sent a strong message to the rest of the competition with a massive 106-run win over newcomers Deer Park as wicketkeeper Buddika Hasaranga put together a classy 69-run performance.

Eamon Scott led the way with the ball with season best figures of 3-27.

Haig Fawkner maintained its perfect start to the season with a convincing six-wicket win over Keilor chasing down its target inside 45 overs.

Aziz Ullah, Shakeel Ahmad and Vaib Deshpande all took three wickets for the reigning premier.

Meanwhile, Aberfeldie claimed its first win of the season with an 84-run win over Craigieburn, who remains winless.

Anthony Barton led the way with the bat after recording his second straight half-century.