Sunbury United has been a model of consistency over the past six seasons.
The Bees have finished in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup top four each summer.
However, despite establishing themselves as a perennial contender, Sunbury United’s first XI has no silverware to show for it.
The club has lost three grand finals and three semi-finals in that period, and expectations are again high this summer as the Bees chase an elusive premiership.
‘‘It gives us belief and hunger, to be honest, to push further this season,’’ captain-coach Fabian Fernando said of the consistent run.
‘‘We’ve consistently made finals … but we haven’t been able to pass that final hurdle.
‘‘I think this season, we just want to push and get past that hurdle.
‘‘We’ve really worked hard as a team in the off-season.
‘‘Hopefully we can get that out and start showing what we are capable of and get this championship this year.’’
There has been little movement in the playing ranks at Sunbury United, the club set to roll out a similar line-up this campaign.
While it has had a quiet off-season in terms of recruiting, there is no shortage of quality.
The Bees boasted three of the competition’s six most prolific batsmen in 2024-25 – Fabian Fernando (701 runs at 46.73), Upul Fernando (696 at 46.4) and ex-captain Damien Edwards (645 at 43).
Senura Perera (28 wickets), James Hughes (22) and Pulindu Kiriella (20) were the stars with the ball.
Fabian Fernando said Sunbury United had focused on improving its bowling and fielding over the off-season.
‘‘I think that’s where we lacked last season. That let us down a bit,’’ he said.
But the club does have depth, with its second XI claiming back-to-back flags.
‘‘We’re just focusing on bringing the young juniors through the system who have been playing with the club, the homegrown players,’’ Fabian Fernando said.
‘‘We have re-signed all the players who played with us last year, so that gives us a good balance.
‘‘We’re focusing on getting a lot more juniors alongside our experienced guys.’’
Fernando said he expected two-time reigning premier Gisborne, Woodend and Romsey to again feature strongly this season.
‘‘I know we’ve always been one of the challenges when we play against them. They go hard at us as well, and we feel the same as well and also take it as a challenge.,’’ he said.
‘‘We’re looking forward to that challenge.
On Saturday, the Bees suffered a second straight loss, this time losing to Macedon.
The Cats made 5-236 from their overs with Cameron Howlett making 99 not out.
Cooper Boyes and Alex Hannah took two wickets each for United.
The Bees had a lot of contributors throughout the order but no one was able to go on with it as they were bowled out for 215 in the 43rd over.
Upul Fernando top scored with 50.
Howlett capped off a stunning game with four wickets.
The Bees face Sunbury United this weekend.
