Tara Murray
Sunbury found some form with the bat as it sealed a finals spot in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3.
Needing only a win from the final round against bottom Sunshine Heights, the Roar’s fate was in its own hands.
Having struggled with the bat at times this season, chasing Sunshine Heights’ 138 which is made on day one, looked like it may have been a tricky task.
But the Roar’s batters were up to the task, finishing 3-140 with 30 overs to spare.
Roar coach Jace Carton was pretty pleased with the performance which locked up fourth spot.
“We got the runs pretty convincingly, only three down,” he said.
“We were only three down which was the most pleasing thing. A couple of the top order were able to get some runs which is crucial at this time of the year.
“They had a really good attitude and it was really impressive how they were able to be patient about it and did what they needed.
“We now move onto the finals next week.”
Kevin Barker top scored with 52 and Sajith Kalumpriya finished 49 not out.
Carton said they both showed their experience in their innings, which they needed at this time of the season.
The finals berth comes after the side narrowly missed out last season, their first season in division 3.
Carton in his first year as coach said making finals was always the aim this season.
“It has been really impressive as a whole club,” he said. “The twos finished fourth and play finals.
“Our under-18s in their first season are playing in a grand final today [Sunday] and all the senior guys are coming down.
“The ones and twos hard into finals full of confidence. Hopefully we can get two or three flags for the club.”
Sunbury’s first XI faces Point Cook in a knock out semi final at Point Cook on Saturday and Sunday, with a grand final spot on the line.
Carton said they were confident they could get the job done
“We had a good game against them at home,” he said. “They have some good quality players.
“If we play the best we can we think we can beat anyone and we go in really confident.”
Jason McGowan will face a test on Thursday night as he recovers from a broken finger sustained in the second last match.
Carton said they would test a few things, but hoped he would be good to go.
If McGowan gets through, Carton said they will be at full strength.
“Everyone else is available, so we’ll hopefully go in full strength,” he said. “The team that we’ve had throughout the year is ready to go and there won’t be much change.”
Grand United will play East Keilor in the other semi final. Both had final round wins against Pascoe Vale Hadfield and Williamstown Imperials respectively.
