VTCA A1 grand final: Sunshine United wins after week of tension

After six sleepless nights, Sunshine United claimed Turf Cricket’s west A1 premiership on Saturday.

A week earlier, stumps were called after two days of the grand final with the Tigers needing just 19 runs with six wickets in hand against Williamstown CYMS.

And while the task looked simple, the fact that 34 wickets fell in the first two days was enough to keep everyone on their toes.

After coming extremely close to premiership success last season, United wasn’t about to let another opportunity slip and the Tigers secured the remaining 19 runs for the loss of just one more wicket.

Joshua Maher was the standout batsman in the second innings, top-scoring with 19, while Leigh Sheridan made 12.

Earlier in the match, United fast bowler Michael Glowacki ensured he would be remembered as a premiership hero.

He finished with 7-39 in the CYs’ second innings to give him 10 wickets for the match.

Speaking after day two, Sunshine captain Ben Foster was full of praise for his star fast bowler.

“It was a real lionheart performance by Michael,” he said. “He really dug deep.”

“He came out after tea and bowled about 14 overs in a row. They didn’t have any answers for him.”

As well as premiership silverware, Saturday’s win means Sunshine will be promoted to the VTCA’s north A1 division for next season.