Tara Murray
Sunshine continues to set high expectations in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 1.
After four straight grand finals, including three premierships, the Crows have built up a strong program in recent years as they’ve climbed up the grades.
The Crows fell just short of that aim last season, going down to Craigieburn 2-0 in the best of three grand final series.
The club has again strengthened its list as it looks to push into the senior division this season.
Captain-coach Troy Stone said Sunshine has built a good culture in recent years that people wanted to be a part of.
“I have a team of winners,” he said.
“They want to go out each week and win.
“They’re competitors and they like having fun.
“I stated that winning is fun and they have bought into that and they believe it. It’s not hard to motivate them.”
The Crows have made moves in the off season, with the signing of one of the competition’s biggest names in former Sri Lankan international Kaushal Lokuarachchi.
Lokuarachchi, played in Sunshine United’s senior division premiership last year, having previously played with Keilor. He claimed the VTCA’s highest individual honour, the Paxino Medal, in 2018-19.
Stone said Lokuarachchi would provide some much needed batting experience for the team.
“He is a big game player,” he said.
“We fell short in the batting in the finals last year and he will make a significant difference.
“He can bowl as well.”
The club announced it had signed Thilina Masmulla, another Paxino Medalist, earlier in the pre-season.
Nuwan Poojitha and Tanuj Rajarathna are among a group of players who have joined the club from St Andrews Pascoe Vale.
Stone said Riley Tribe and Altamash Zaheer, who are 17 and 19 respectively, would likely play most of the year in the first XI as they continue their development.
Stone said they will enter the season full of confidence. He said everyone was ready to get back out there and play.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “With a short pre-season, everyone just wants to get out there on Saturday and play cricket with their mates.
“We’re fairly confident after the season we had last year, we’ll be up there again.
Sunshine kicks off its season against Tullamarine at Leo Dineen Reserve on Saturday.
Stone said the Demons had made a number of changes and would be an unknown opposition heading into the match.
“There will be challenges each week in not knowing the sides,” he said. “The expectation is on us to perform.”
In other round one matches, Airport West St Christopher’s faces PEGS, Altona Roosters host Seddon, Deer Park plays Altona North and West Coburg takes on St Francis de Sales.
In senior division, Sunshine United takes on Keilor while St Albans plays Druids.
