Great batting and bowling are giving Sunshine plenty of reason for optimism in sub-district cricket, despite patchy results.
Long known as the competition’s strugglers, the Crows have one win from their opening four matches but have moved off the bottom of the south-west ladder.
The performances so far are encouraging for first-year captain-coach Troy Stone.
The middle-order batsman believes the key to his side improving is not allowing a few tough moments to derail an entire match.
“Previously, when we’ve had our bad days it has been with both bat and ball,” he said. “Now it has only been one of those. We know that we need to close the gap between our good and our bad.
“Once we’re able to do that, we know we’ll see even more improvement.”
Leadership clearly agrees with Stone, who has been ultra-impressive with the bat since taking on the top job. He’s made 117 runs for the season, putting him among the league’s top 20 batsmen.
His partner in crime has been Laka Khan, who was instrumental in Sunshine securing its only win for the season.
Khan hit 83 not out against Moorabbin in round three to help the Crows chase down a small target in front of their home fans at Dempster Park. “Laka had last year off and his comeback has shown how important he is for us,” Stone said.
“He’s an explosive player and just plays his own game. We need to be getting the timing right for when to bring him in.
“We’ve found, generally, that just after tea in a two-day game or when spin is on in the one-dayers is the right time. He hits a big ball and is a very exciting player.”
Leading the way with the ball has been left-arm spinner Amal Ranawaka Arachchige. In his first season at Sunshine, he’s taken 10 wickets at an average of 16.
The Crows will have a chance to get their second win of the season this week after being set 265 for victory by Williamstown. The Seagulls are 0-4 for the season.
Stone isn’t too concerned about where his side will finish; rather, he’s encouraging his players to work on the little things.
“I just want the boys setting personal goals,” he said.
“I didn’t put any team goals or expectations on the group.
“I just want to see individual improvement and then the team results will take care of themselves.”
