By Tara Murray
Sunshine quickly put its worst day of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Isaacs Howarth Shield season behind it, bouncing back on Saturday.
The Crows suffered their first loss of the season in the first game back after the Christmas break, after failing to defend 300.
The Crows bowlers were more switched on against Footscray United in a one-dayer and they were able to get back on the winners list.
Crows coach Shafraz Mohamed said he thinks they are better suited to the shorter format.
“We didn’t talk about the loss,” he said. “The boys bounced back really well.
“The one-day format suits us better with having seven bowlers and a lot of all rounders.
“I think Footscray United is more suited to the red ball. We were also playing at home and we held the edge.”
The Crows batted first and made 5-244 from their overs. Troy Stone top scored with 77 at the top of the order, while Dilip Tharaka scored 69.
Mohamed said they thought they had enough runs on the board, but the Bulldogs made them fight for it.
The Bulldogs in the end ran out of overs, finishing 7-205.
“Footscray United were up for the first,” Mohamed said. “They gave us a run for our money.
“We were able to get the job done, which wasn’t the case the week before.”
Ashen Abeykoon took three wickets for the Crows.
The Crows remain in third spot, a game behind the top two, Altona Roosters and Altona North.
Mohamed said their goal was clear for the rest of the season.
“Top two, that is the plan,” he said. “We don’t want to lose a game from here.
“We want to play finals and go one game better than last year. We have one of the most talented groups and we have a lot of depth in our batting and bowling.
“We’re looking forward to it.”
The Crows face Oak Park St Francis de Sales in a two-dayer in the next round.
In other results, PEGS lost to the Altona Roosters.
PEGS made 8-212 from its 40 overs with Milinda Sepala top scoring with 60.
The Roosters got the runs in the second last over, finishing 4-213.
Tariq Muzafar took two wickets for PEGS.
PEGS sits in ninth spot.
In the Roy Picone Shield, Keilor Park and Caroline Springs both had wins, while Sunshine Heights suffered a big loss.
Caroline Springs sits in second, while Keilor Park is now a game outside the top four.
