Tara Murray
Sunbury United is hoping the lessons learned from the last two seasons will hold it in good stead in this year’s Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
United went through the regular season undefeated last season before going out in the finals in straight sets in a disappointing end to the year.
United coach Upul Fernando said they had kept the core group together this season and were keen to go again.
Ashan Ranaweera is the main signing for United. He’s an ex-Sri Lankan first class all-rounder who has played at Mt Beauty in recent times.
Jack Dillion and Lance Watts have come across from East Sunbury and are expected to bring depth into the top two sides.
“Ashan brings a bit more experience,” he said. “We have looked to strengthen our side.
“Our second team will get stronger too. The new guys from East Sunbury will help strengthen the batting order.
“It will also flow into the third and fourth XIs. There’s a bit more competition for spots which is a good thing.”
Fernando said he was excited by what the batting line up of Ranaweera, reigning Sullivan Medalist Damien Edwards, himself, Liam Sherlock and Ryan Billinghurst can do.
After the disappointment of last season, Fernando said they know they aren’t that far away from having success.
“What we’ve done the last couple of years is massive,” he said. “Minor premiers and semi finals.
“Not everything has gone our way. We can come back stronger as we don’t like that losing feeling.
“We’ve learnt a lot of things that we didn’t do right to get the win. We want to go one game better.”
Fernando said they had started training six weeks ago and things were starting to look good.
He said for them the biggest thing was the mental side of the game.
“We’ve got the players who can step up, we need to execute the plans from week to week.
“We have to continue doing a lot of the little things and didn’t happen in the finals.
“We will look to take it one week at a time. After the first week we will plan for the next week.
“Hopefully everyone can be on the right track.”
Fernando said they were expecting a tough season with a number of clubs recruiting well.
He said they were looking forward to the challenge ahead.
Sunbury United kicks off its season on October 8 at home against Romsey in a one-dayer.
Meanwhile, the start of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association season has been delayed. The competition was set to start on October 1, but the competition has been postponed due to the condition of several grounds. The round one game will now be played on December 1.
Sunbury will now start the division 3 season at home against Grand United.
