Sunshine United is striving to become a Victorian Turf Cricket Association powerhouse once more.
The Tigers know that lofty status cannot be obtained while they are playing in the second tier north-west division.
That is why coach Terry Nicholls is pushing to fast-track his side’s bid for promotion to the top flight.
“Sunshine United had a long history of success in the old Sunshine Cricket Association and early in the VTCA,” Nicholls said.
“We’re trying to re-establish that credibility about being recognised as one of the major competitors in this competition.”
United has made a strong start to the north-west division this season.
The Tigers are one of only two undefeated sides in the division, but their flawless record will be put to the test by third-placed Seddon at Selwyn Park on Saturday.
United could muster only 153 off 80 overs – a score that will have the bowlers a little uneasy going into day two.
Daniel Pace saved the Tigers from total disaster with a gutsy 91, which included seven fours and a six.
The Tigers’ success has largely been built around their bowling attack, which gives them hope of defending a small total this Saturday.
“That’s probably the reason, I believe, we’ve had three wins,” Nicholls said. “Our bowling has set us up.”
But United will have to make do without last week’s hero, Michael Glowacki.
Glowacki, who has taken a team-high 18 wickets at 11.4, will be unavailable for the Seddon game due to personal commitments, a week after setting the competition alight with nine wickets in an innings.
Incredibly, it was not a club record haul for a United player – club legend Bill Blair went one better by taking 10 wickets in an innings twice.
“It’s a pity that he didn’t get the 10 because he could’ve equalled the club record,” Nicholls said. “Michael will take the nine-for anyway, as long as we get the side out and win the game at the end of the day – that’s more important.”
To defend the small total, United will turn to the likes of medium pacer Nick Millar, who has 11 wickets at 12.1, and left-arm orthodox spinner Leigh Sheridan, who has nine wickets at 15.2.
United is flying high up the ladder largely thanks to the leadership of captain Neeten Chouhan and wicketkeeping of Sangaran Nandhalal.
Chouhan gave up the wicketkeeper role to focus on his batting and captaincy and it has resulted in more runs and better leadership.
“He’s had a really good start to the year with the bat and he’s really led from the front,” Nicholls said.
None of that would not be possible without Nandhalal behind the stumps.
He has taken 10 catches, picked up two stumpings and inflicted run-outs for 13 dismissals in six games.
“We’ve lost nothing in that area because he’s doing a fantastic job,” Nicholls said.
