Sunshine looks to lift batting

Sunshine YCW is hoping a top-order makeover will be the catalyst for a rise up the Victorian Turf Cricket Association ladder.

The Kangaroos finished a disappointing seventh in the West B1 division last season, with batting a major concern.

Sunshine president Danny Haymes says the club “certainly expected a better season”.

The Kangaroos have kept their leadership structure with Chris Armstrong remaining as captain-coach.

“Although we’ve had a couple of disappointing years, one of the things we looked at was stability,” Haymes says.

“We went through about two or three coaches in three years at one stage. This will be Chris’s third season in charge. He’s trying to train a few young blokes to take over his role when the time comes.”

While one goal is improving the first XI, the club is also intent on building up its junior division.

Haymes says the club is working closely with Big Bash League club the Melbourne Renegades to help attract young cricketers. “We’re competing with baseball and all those other sports so we have to try and make it attractive for kids.” Sunshine YCW will hold a come-and-try session on Sunday at its Lily Street ground. Potential young cricketers are invited to attend from 11am until 2pm.