Tara Murray
Sunshine United unveiled its premiership flag on Saturday but wasn’t able to come away with the points in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
It was a special day for the Tigers who were able to unveil the flag, which completed the remarkable story of staring down relegation to winning a premiership.
The celebrations were short lived with the Tigers unable to get the points on the field.
Facing an old rival, the Druids who they have faced many times across 60 years, it was a tough day for the Tigers.
The Tigers were bowled out for just 75, with Tom Duxson (24) the only player to pass 15.
The Tigers put the pressure on early with the ball to have the Druids at 4-45, but didn’t have enough runs on the board.
The Druids finished 4-78.
Speaking before the match, Tigers president Mark Dalrymple said the club had been excited to unveil the flag.
He said the club had turned to focusing on development of the younger guys this season.
“[Coach] Dean [McGrath] and the rest of the leaders are focused on developing the younger players,” he said.
“We’re giving more autonomy to the captains which is something that is also different.”
Dalrymple highlighted Kyle Holden, Ryan Chatterton and Jastej Singh are three of the young players who they are looking forward to watching this season.
Dalrymple said with the focus on development, it means that they have set different goals.
“As long as we are competitive and stay up in senior division we’ll be happy,” he said.
“Anything can happen if our players perform.”
In other results, Keilor made it two from two, beating Yarraville Club.
The Blues elected to bat, making 5-215.
Lucas Elliott top scored with 69.
The Clubbers never looked likely after slipping to 3-58.
They were eventually bowled out for 189 with five balls remaining.
Matthew Strachan was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-47.
St Albans opened its account, beating Craigieburn.
The Saints made 8-215 from their overs with Arosh Janoda making consecutive half centuries with 52.
The Saints were able to keep the Eagles under control with regular wickets, restricting them to 8-172.
Geeth Alwis took three wickets.
In division 1, Deer Park defeated Sunshine and PEGS lost to Seddon. Sydenham-Hillside and Keilor Park both suffered losses in division 2, as did Grand United and Sunshine Heights in division 3, Caroline Springs in division 4 and Sunshine YCW in division 5.
