No matter what the result is on Saturday, Sunbury has earned respect in Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3.
The Roar enter the final round needing to win and hope a result went their way to make finals.
While finals in their first season in division 3 was something the club was aiming for, president Brendan Doyle said the the club had shown that they could match it with the top sides.
“It was obviously disappointing with the weekend’s result, as we could have sealed finals berth away [with one round remaining],” he said.
“It’s not ideal, but from where we were at Christmas. We were out of the race, but we’ve put in a massive push.
“We’ve come together and I’ve been really pleased with that.”
Doyle said they always thought they would be competitive in this division, after two successive promotions, but it was a matter of putting it all together.
He said under captain Stephen Treweek, who had led well from the front, the side was able to start finding the right mix.
“We changed things up,” he said.
“We thought we would be quite competitive and the depth in the club has proven that. No matter how far we go this season, we have been able to hold our position in third grade.
“We’ll look where we need to go to get up into second grade now.”
Doyle said they had been really pleased with the emergence of Murphy Boyd as a bowler and said that Blake Watson and Lachie Treweek had also taken steps forward with their cricket.
He also highlighted the opening bowling partnership of Jason McGann and Jason McGowan as one of the reasons for that second half comeback.
“We have the best two opening bowlers in the competition.”
While this season has been tougher than the first two in the VTCA for the Roar, Doyle said they would take plenty of positives out of it.
“In a sense, losing games can strengthen a team and it’s a good experience for them,” he said.
“Last year we only lost one or two games. It will help us be better situated for next year.”
The Roar have already started focusing on next season.
The club is advertising for a coach.
They will also finally get to play at home again, with the turf wicket being installed at Clarke Oval. The club has played its home games at Progress Reserve in Coolaroo its first three seasons in the VTCA, while waiting for the turf wicket to be installed.
“We’ll be finally able to play at our home ground,” he said.
“It’s an exciting position. We have a great list already and we’re speaking to a few players to strengthen the depth.
“We have a great club and product and will have a brand new facility.”
