By Ewen McRae
A century opening stand, a pair of blistering nineties, and a big first innings total were the highlights for Sunshine United as they kicked off their Victorian Turf Cricket Association season in style on Saturday.
Taking on Strathmore in the senior division, United won the toss and decided to make first use of a good batting strip and perfect conditions.
Neeten Chouhan was the aggressor early, punishing anything loose and working well with fellow opener Scott Dalrymple, who was playing the anchor role.
The pair put on a 123-run opening stand before Dalrymple was caught for 31 off 104 balls, bringing United skipper Leigh Sheridan to the crease as Chouhan continued to pile on the runs.
Chouhan was closing in on the first century of the summer but was adjudged lbw just one run shy of his milestone, however his 99 off 124 balls had his side in a commanding position.
While Tom Duxson (0) didn’t trouble the scorers, keeper Sangaran Nandhalal took up the role of aggressor with relish as he powered his way through the later part of the day to finish on 91 not out off just 89 balls.
Sheridan played an important role with a measured 31 as United ended the day on 6-310 from their 80 overs.
Elsewhere, St Albans has given itself a sniff of an upset win against reigning premiers Yarraville Club, following a disciplined bowling performance on Saturday.
While the Clubbers batted out their 80 overs, St Albans was able to strike at regular intervals to interrupt their momentum and restrict the visitors to 7-223.
The day began well for the home side, with debutant Billy Whitford removing danger man Will Sheridan for a duck early, and Geeth Alwis also grabbing a wicket to have the Clubbers 2-30.
Konrad Kurta (51) and Andrew Cullen (45) put together a 53-run stand, the days biggest partnership, but St Albans stuck to the task admirably to limit the damage.
Whitford could not have done much more than his 2-25 off 11 overs, while Alwis (3-63 off 23) and Tom Langley-Dunn (2-48 off 20) were also crucial.
Keilor’s season is off to a rocky start as it conceded first innings points inside the first day and will be trying to avoid an outright defeat this weekend. After being sent in by Doutta Stars, Keilor crumbled with the bat to be all out for just 106 in the 37th over.
In reply, Doutta Stars used the remaining 40 overs to power to 1-141 and set up the chance of maximum points when the sides resume.
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