Not too often in recent seasons has Sunshine been able to take a bit of confidence into a Sub-District cricket match.
But this weekend will be one of those occasions and the Crows are hungry to rip into Elsternwick in Saturday’s one-day game at Dempster Park.
Originally a two-day match, the opening day was washed out on Saturday.
The Crows are coming off a sensational eight-wicket win over unbeaten Moorabbin and face a Wickers side without a win in three.
Crows captain-coach Troy Stone can sense a positive vibe in the camp that has not been felt too much in recent years.
“It’s a good place to be around,” he told
Star Weekly. “Things are slowly turning.”
The Crows know one win does not make a summer. They won their first game last season but failed to pick up another victory.
But as much as they wanted to keep the momentum rolling, the Crows are equally thrilled to face the Wickers in a limited overs clash as it suits their strengths.
“We’re a young, explosive side,” Stone said. “We look forward to one-day cricket, where we can go in and start off positive.”
All eyes will be on Laki Khan, who is coming off a breathtaking 83 off 36 balls in the win over Moorabbin.
“He can turn the game in five overs,” Stone said. “He is probably the most explosive player in the competition.”
New recruit Amal Ranawaka has been a surprise packet for the Crows. The left-arm orthodox spinner has taken nine wickets in three games, including two hauls of four.
“He came down with a mate who had been at the club previously and he’s been really good,” Stone said.
“He had no expectations but as soon as he walked through the door we could see he was a classy player.”