No matter what happens in the run towards the Victorian Turf Cricket Association finals, Sunshine United has proved it belongs.
The Tigers were promoted to the league’s second-highest grade on the back of their 2014-15 premiership.
That jump was the second rise in class for United in as many seasons.
After eight rounds, the Tigers are eighth on the ladder, two wins behind fourth-placed Seddon.
Sunshine United coach Neeten Chouhan is impressed with the way his players have attacked their new surroundings.
“It’s a good base we have now,” he said. “I think the fact we’ve stayed in most games for 80 per cent is pretty encouraging.
“The games we did lose, it was just about a lack of concentration here and there.
“At this level, if you’re not playing at 100 per cent most teams are going to beat you.”
The Tigers were at their best at the weekend as they toppled Altona North by four wickets.
Sunshine United’s other two wins for the season have come against Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School in round two and Keilor Park in round seven.
Leading the charge for the Tigers has been opening bowler Michael Glowacki.
After taking just one wicket in his first three games, Glowacki has gone on to establish himself as one of the most dangerous bowlers in the division, taking 13 wickets in his past four matches.
“After the first half of the season we’ve come to the realisation that we’re a pretty powerful side,” Chouhan said.
“That certainly gives us a lot of confidence coming into this next part of the season.”
The Tigers can’t afford slip-ups if they’re to secure a place in the finals and their three remaining games are winnable – against Laverton (12th), West Coburg (seventh) and Spotswood (fifth).
“We know finals are a possibility,” Chouhan said.
“Having said that, we always try to go game by game. We need to always be improving our skills, then the results will come.”
