Tara Murray
Sunshine has gotten off to a flying start to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Isaacs-Howarth season.
Under new coach Shafraz Mohamed, the Crows have claimed two wins from as many completed games with a new attacking game style.
Mohamed said there was a special something about the group that they’ve put together.
“I had a good feeling about this,” he said. “The talent in the team is unbelievable and the best I’ve played with. I’ve played with many clubs.
“The talent is definitely there.. We are still at 70 per cent capacity, once we get to 100 per cent watch out.”
Mohamed said the group had bought into the style of cricket that he wanted them to play.
He’s been happy with how they were batting so far, with more than 600 runs on the board already.
“We’ve been setting an attacking game and it’s worked for us,” he said. “Shiraz [Mohamed Munas Mohamed] and Troy up the top is the key.
“The middle order is in form. Ashen Abeykoon is a good signing and Pramud Hettiwatte is a very good first class player.
“He already has something like 16 wickets and 180 runs.”
On Saturday, the Crows completed the task against Altona North.
The Crows had made 8-276 on day one of the match.
Altona North started well but weren’t able to get any big partnerships going as it was bowled out for 220.
Mohamed said the biggest difference with the side this season was in the bowling group which they had reinforced with a number of recruits.
He said they faced some tough conditions but were able to get the job done.
“The outfield was lightning and it was a hot day,” he said. “The boys stayed up for it.
“We have a good spin attack despite being two bowlers short with injuries.”
Hettiwatte took four wickets for the Crows.
Mohamed said they were keen to keep the early momentum going the next few weeks.
The Crows next match is a two-dayer against the Altona Roosters, starting this Saturday.
“The challenge is to keep them fit,” he said. “We’ve had a big workload and the training has been intense.
“We’ll try and look after their bodies and we will be OK.”
In other results, PEGS got the point against Oak Park St Francis de Sales.
Chasing 213, PEGS finished 5-215 to claim the win.
In the Steve McNamara Shield, Grand United has a big win against the Greenvale Kangaroos.
Defending 9-338, the Gorillas restricted the Kangaroos to 116. Leo Turnbull-Gent took three wickets for the Gorillas.
In the Roy Picone Shield, Keilor Park beat Point Cook, Sunshine Heights got the win against Pascoe Vale Hadfield and Caroline Springs beat Kingsville.
