By Lance Jenkinson
It is Sunshine’s flag to lose in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3.
The Crows had a dream opening weekend of their four-day grand final against Point Cook at Dempster Park, heading to stumps on the second day in a position of strength with a 116-run lead.
A hot start with the ball meant Sunshine could dictate the flow of the game.
Crows captain Troy Stone pointed to the first session on day one, when his side shrugged off losing the coin toss by having Point Cook in desperate trouble at 4-12, as the key to his side’s commanding lead in the match.
Point Cook was bowled all out for just 81 – not the kind of return you want from a pitch that did not really have any demons in it.
“The pitch didn’t play any part with the wickets and if I had’ve won the toss I would’ve batted too,” Stone said.
“Having them 4-12 allowed us to dictate terms.
“They’re on the back foot and looking to survive rather than score and I can set fields accordingly.”
It was a near flawless effort with the ball for Sunshine.
New ball users Cherith Fernando and
Josh Michetti picked up where they left off in the semi-final with some impressive early bowling.
Fernando finished with 3-38 off 12 overs, while Michetti took 2-18 off 13, including the scalps of the two openers.
Left arm spinner Nikhil Pottabathini chimed in with 2-2 off 5.3 overs.
Asela Aluthge sent down a tight 14 overs to take 3-12.
“He was back to his best with the ball,” Stone said of Aluthge.
“He’s got all the tricks in the book, slower balls, cutters, so I’m glad I don’t have to face him in the middle to be honest.”
Photo Gallery: Sunshine vs Point Cook
After losing 2-9 with their first two dismissals run outs, Sunshine steadied to pass the first innings target two down.
Aluthge (117) and Shehriyar Cuttlerywala (41) changed the course of the match with a 119-run third wicket partnership.
“That was an outstanding partnership,” Stone said.
“They put us on the front foot and maybe batted them out of the game,” Stone said.
“Sheri produced a great innings – 41 off 183 – that’s tough finals cricket batting.
“Asela hit 17 boundaries and a six and they had no answers for him.
“He hit the ball to all parts of the ground.”
Sunshine finished the second day on 8-197 for a commanding lead of 116.
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