Sunshine United suffered a disastrous day with the bat against West Coburg at the weekend.
The Victorian Turf Cricket A north-west outfit was skittled for just 19 in what’s believed to be the lowest score of the season for any Turf side.
After winning the toss, nothing went right for United, which was a staggering 6-2 early in its innings.
Having gained the momentum, West Coburg wasn’t about to let it slip and claimed the remaining four wickets for just 17.
Michael Pratt was the star with the ball, taking 5-11, while Matthew Dargantook claimed 4-3.
In reply, West Coburg had no trouble chasing down the target, and went on to make 9-130 before declaring.
In its second innings, Sunshine United is 0-22.
Saturday’s batting collapse came as a complete surprise after the Tigers had produced their best month of cricket since being promoted in the off-season.
United, seventh on the ladder, had shown great fight to still be in the finals race.
Since the Christmas break, the Tigers have edged out Keilor Park and Altona North in one-dayers, and they were in the box seat after day one against Laverton before rain intervened.
That period of quality cricket had been just what club president Mark Dalrymple wanted.
He said a main reason for the club’s success had been the leadership of first-time captain Neeten Chouhan, the opening batsman and wicketkeeper having taken over from Ben Foster in the off-season.
“He’s been very good in the way he approaches the games,” Dalrymple said.
“He’s different to Ben … he’s more of a technical coach. Neeten has taken over with the view that we’re in a position where we need to work on our technique more than our culture. Hopefully, he stays on for next season and I’m sure he will.”
While the club’s first XI faces a tough task in qualifying for finals, Sunshine United will still be well represented in March.
The Tigers’ second XI is undefeated on top of the ladder. The side is a mix of former first XI players and youngsters on the way up.
Dalrymple says he’s confident that having lost its past seven second XI semi-finals, the team can break the spell this year.
“Our seconds really have an opportunity this season after being rolled in the semis so often,” he said.
“That’s something they’re all pretty well aware of. Once it gets to that semi, they will be making sure they put their best foot forward. The fourths are on top and the thirds are in the finals, so there’s a great buzz around the club.”
