Sunshine United has locked in two imports for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Isaac Howarth Shield season.
Looking to bounce back after finishing bottom and relegated from senior division, the Tigers have signed Toby Porter and Tiam Afshar for the 2025-26 season.
Both players arrive from East Molesey, a side that has secured three Surrey Premier League titles in five years, along with multiple conference cup victories.
“In 2024, Toby Porter was the leading wicket-taker in the entire Surrey Premier League, collecting 44 wickets for the season,” the Tigers said on social media.
“His ability to strike early and bowl match-defining spells was crucial to East Molesey’s title charge.
“With his pace, control, and competitive edge, Toby is set to play a major role in our bowling attack this summer.
“Tiam Afshar had a breakout season with the bat, compiling 583 runs across competitions.
“A technically sound top-order batter and sharp wicket-keeper, Tiam’s temperament at the crease and leadership in the field will bring balance and professionalism to our line-up.”
The two join Daniel Raniolo in new signing announcements for the club so far.
Raniolo returns to the club after trying his luck at the higher level.
He has scored more than 2800 runs in Victorian Premier Cricket, including a highest score of 131.
Raniolo, a premiership player at the Tigers, returns from playing at Footscray where he played in the second XI last season.
“I’m really happy to have signed back with Sunshine United,” he said previously. “It feels great to return to a club where I’ve shared so many great memories, and I’m excited to be back with friends both on and off the field.
James Muirhead, Matthew Sipala, Nalin Amarathunga and Thomas O’Brien have all re-signed for the upcoming season.
Muirhead stays on as coach but it was announced that he would step down as captain.
