Sunbury United is ready to go one step further this season.
United lost last summer’s Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup grand final to Romsey after a strong season.
After several list changes over the off season, playing-coach Upul Fernando said United is in for a big summer.
“Everyone’s really excited, and working really hard after losing in the finals,” he said.
“Everybody prepared really well during the preseason.
“Two new faces are coming in as well and a few players are not playing this year.”
One of the players no longer at the club is Ashan Ranaweera, while Rajitha Mendis will be out of action until post the Christmas break due to family reasons.
Ranaweera was the second highest run scorer for United last season, scoring 480 runs at an average of 36.92.
Mendis took 30 wickets at an average of 17.60 last summer, the second best in the side.
To help fill the voids left in the side, Fabian Fernando has come across from Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association side Northcote. He has also played first class cricket in Sri Lanka.
The bowling all rounder averaged 23.38 with the ball and 27.33 with the bat last season.
Off spinner Hasthi Kumarathunga has also joined the fold at United, from Tarneit. Shenal Ayesh has also joined the club.
Amongst the changes was the announcement of Steven Forgaty as vice captain of the first XI side.
Fogarty averaged 24.46 with the bat last season.
“All are keen and they all know about their roles,” Fernando.
“[Winning the premiership] is what the target is and we set up goals for each individual player so they know their roles because we’re a very experienced side.
“Now it’s about executing our plans, and training that into performing.”
United will play its first match coming against Macedon, as the Cats makes the jump into the GDCA’s top division, Fernando and his side can’t wait for it to begin.
“I’ve never played against Macedon, we heard they’re a good team, that’s the reason they’ve been promoted,” he said.
“It’s all about doing just a little bit of homework against them and we will prepare ourselves and execute our plans when the game is on.
“Our plan is [to take it] one week at a time.”
United will face the Cats on October 7 at Tony Clarke Recreation Reserve in Macedon in a one-dayer.
Harper Sercombe
