Back-to-back dynamic bowling displays have highlighted Sunshine Heights’ credentials as a Victorian Turf finals contender.
In round one of the West A1 season, Heights demolished Williamstown CYMS’ batting line-up for just 82.
Sunshine backed the performance up by knocking over Footscray United for just 123 in round two.
Taking 20 wickets for a tick over 200 runs has lifted the club into second spot, with Heights and leaders Altona Roosters now the only unbeaten teams.
After going into the season expecting his side’s batting to be its strength, Sunshine Heights president Paul Stockwell said it was a welcome surprise to see the bowlers doing the damage.
“A lot of the new guys we got in the off-season were more batsmen than bowlers,” he said.
“Even with those guys coming in, the main things we focused on during preseason were steady bowling and a big improvement in fielding and it’s great to see those things working well.”
Leading the charge with the ball is 16-year-old speedster Brandyn Disisto.
Coming on first or second change for Heights, Disisto has displayed a golden arm in the first two rounds, taking eight wickets including best figures of 4-8 against Williamstown CYMS.
He is part of a younger Sunshine outfit this year, the group being led by 20-year-old coach Tim Mahoney.
“A lot of people who have been around the club for a long time are saying they haven’t seen a first side as youthful and as fit as what we have at the moment,” Stockwell said.
“It’s really positive around the club and there’s an expectation we will make the finals.
“Obviously, if we can pick up some wins in the early part of the season that will set us up.”
The hot start is a welcome change for Heights after a difficult 2014-15 campaign.
The first XI won just two matches and was eighth on the ladder.
Sunshine Heights will look to continue its exciting form this week when it takes on Altona Roosters.
Heights are expecting to reach full strength when captain Dilum Samarasinghe returns from Sri Lanka after being delayed by a visa issue.
Stockwell expects Samarasinghe to be with the team in the next week or two.
