Sunshine Heights aim for finals

Luke Simpson. Picture Luke Hemer

Tara Murray

Sunshine Heights has added some experience to its squad as it aims for Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 finals.

Heights have focused on youth in recent years and seen plenty of development in some of their young players coming through.

With the addition of some former players returning and some new players coming to the club, coach Wayne Miller is excited about what they are putting together.

“We are very keen to get out there,” he said.

“It’s a pretty even competition, but I think we should have a good season. We’ve added a few players and there’s a few new players who have joined the club.

“We’ve got a nice blend of the new experienced players and the young blokes who we already have in the squad.”

Moshin Abass, Saman Gonawala and Shanker Thirugnanam have all returned to the club and are expected to play in the top side.

Miller said he had seen development in the younger players over the off season, despite limited training due to lockdowns.

He said the likes of Sid Bindroo, Josh Luca, Bol Atem and Leo Hatzoglou are four players who he expects to take the next step.

Miller is also looking forward to seeing what skipper Luke Simpson will do this season.

“He’s been a great leader the last few years,” he said.

“He has been the coach before and has been really good.”

Miller said finals was the aim this season with what he believes is a strong team with the right mix of players.

Overall, an influx of numbers means the club will field an extra senior side this year, with the club up to seven senior sides including the veterans team.

The club’s first XI was due to kick off its season against Grand United on Saturday.

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