Sunshine is in the box seat after day one of its Victorian Sub District Cricket opener against Coburg, thanks to stunning bowling by Hassan Fazal.
After losing the toss and being forced to bowl first, the Crows ripped through the Coburg batting line-up at Dempster Park.
Opening bowler Fazal removed six of Coburg’s top seven batsmen to leave the away side reeling at 7-115.
Coburg’s lower order fought hard to extend the innings, but the Crows maintained the pressure, dismissing the visitors for 150.
Fazal finished with 6-39.
In reply, Sunshine is 0-20, with captain Mark Brown on 12 and Sam Magnano eight.
Meanwhile, the Victorian Turf Cricket Association was forced to postpone the start of its season because too many grounds were not ready.
The new season now begins this week with the scheduled two-day matches shortened to one-day fixtures.
The highest-ranked Brimbank-based team, Keilor, takes on Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School at Keilor Reserve.
Last time Keilor started a season in VTCA’s north division, the club’s first XI went all the way to premiership glory and promotion to senior division.
Three years later, and after relegation last season, the Blues are fired up for similar success.
After winning just three games last season, Keilor coach Mick Andreadis said it was clear where the improvement needed to come from.
“It has to be the batting,” he said.
“The bowling has always been good with the likes of Dan Schuppan, who always takes a lot of wickets.”
