Tara Murray
Sunbury has strengthened its batting line up as it aims for finals in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3.
The Roar’s bowling attack has been its strength since coming to the VTCA, bowling them to victory on several occasions.
But their batting has been hit and miss at times.
New coach Jace Carton said that was the area they knew they needed to boost for this season.
“We can easily bowl out sides,” he said.
“The players we targeted have added strength to the squad and we are looking really good.
“We know what we needed to get and we’ve filled those positions. We’ve recruited quite well.
“We’re aiming for finals and hoping to get a home final and finish top two.”
Carton said they had added four players who they believe will play in their first XI. He said some players who had been looking not to play had returned as well in another bonus.
“We’ve brought in good quality players, so our first and second sides will be very strong.
“There are also players that haven’t returned, but we’ve replaced them and it’s flowing down into the second XI.
“Our depth is looking really strong.”
Former Diggers Rest Bulla coach Kevin Barker has signed with the Roar. He also previously played for Rupertswood, while also having stints in Victorian Premier Cricket and the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association. He has also played over in the United Kingdom.
Sajith Kalumpria is an opening bat and wicketkeeper who played 60 first class games in Sri Lanka,
Carton’s son Issac Carton, who was playing Victorian Premier Cricket at the Greenvale Kangaroos, has followed his dad across.
Amrit Sandhu, a middle order leg spinner, has come across from Sunbury United.
The Roar was set to kick off its season this Saturday against Glenroy, but the round was postponed until December 4 due to not enough grounds being ready.
The Roar are set to face Grand United next week, but Carton like many other coaches aren’t sure enough grounds will be ready this week to start play as heavy rain continues to cause issues.
After the first three seasons in the VTCA playing outside of Sunbury, the club will be able to play games at their home ground, Clarke Oval, this season.
Carton said they were looking forward to that opportunity.
In another good sign, Carton said they were confident of getting their under-18 turf side up and going.
The side is the only turf one in that age group in the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges area.
