Tara Murray
Sunshine United isn’t getting ahead of itself after a strong start in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
After just one last season, the Tigers already have four wins from their first six matches.
Speaking before the Tigers weekend matches coach Henry Popinski said they had been happy with how they had started the season.
“To be 3-1 given we won only one game last year shows there has been significant improvement,” he said.
“There’s really a good feel around the place. So far, so good but I don’t want to speak too soon.
“We’ve played some good cricket, but the next four games we’ll see where we are at.”
Popinski said the impact of their new recruits had been felt with the results and providing extra depth.
He said they were happy with the impact that they’ve had.
“The recruits have all performed at one stage or another,” he said. “David Worthington started off slowly and made 40 odd the other week.
“Alex Burton made 50 on the weekend before he ran himself. He’s finding his feet as well. Everyone has contributed and we’ve been really happy with them.”
The Tigers had had to look for other options in their senior team with a couple of injuries.
Key bowlers Michael Glowacki and Rhys Dodemaide have been out. Popinski said they had been hoping to have at least one, if not both, play on the weekend, after deadline.
Leading wicket taker Matthew Sipala hurt his groin on the weekend and is set to be out until January.
“Jastej Singh has come up and down a great job for a young kid,” he said. “We’ve got a little bit of options with the bowlers.
“Last season we had four or five players who weren’t quite ready to play. Now having one or two in that side they have to come in and play a role rather than being dominant.
“There’s less pressure on them.”
While happy with the work so far, Popinski knows they still have room for improvement. He said banking as many wins as they can early in the season is important.
On the weekend they lost to Yarraville Club, before beating St Albans.
“Haig was good to see where we are at,” he said. “They’re the benchmark and we were not disgraced.
“Early wins are good with the competition so close. It takes a little bit of pressure off with relegation.
“Some tough games coming up against some good opposition to see where we are at.”
