By Tara Murray
Sunbury United got the first strike against Sunbury in the new Gisborne and District Cricket Association in the McIntyre Cup Premier Firsts season.
With a fresh line-up, United’s new guns showed glimpses of what they can do.
United bowled Sunbury out for 121, before getting the runs with just two wickets down. United finished 2-125.
New United coach Archie Dudderidge said it was a perfect start to his time at Sunbury United.
“It was good to have a win first-up,” he said.
“We got wickets at the right time and then we got the runs quite easily.
“There’s still a long way to go and we don’t know where we sit or where they sit.
“We’ll look to get a few games under our belt.”
United’s bowlers started the game well, with everyone contributing.
Spin bowler Mark Koutroubas was the most successful with the ball, taking five wickets on debut for United.
Koutroubas played first XI cricket for Taylors Lakes in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association last season.
Steven Fogarty (38 not out) and skipper Adam Dudderidge top scored with 50 not out to get the job done with the bat.
Adam, who followed his father across to United, also played in the VSDCA last season.
Dudderidge said the win was a real team effort.
“We bowled all six guys and they all contributed,” he said. “Coming in, the first day couldn’t have gone better.”
Dudderidge, who has been involved with PEGS and Keilor, said he had no plans to come to Sunbury United but was approached by some friends who were also committee members.
“I’ve known the president and vice-president and they sort of came to us about the role.
“Adam the captain is my son.
“The wicketkeeper [Damian Belia] is my stepson and Mark is best mates with my son, so they decided to come across together.”
Shaun Brown, who runs a successful coaching program, is the other recruit for United. He played in the lower grades in recent years.
Dudderidge said he was pleased with the club’s progress.
“At pre season there’s been the best numbers they’ve had in a long time,” he said.
“Someone said on Thursday that Thursday was the best night they had in 32 years at the club.
“It’s really exciting.”
As Dudderidge has only watched one GDCA match before this season, he said he would look at how things went early on before setting expectations.
In other results, Gisborne made easy work of Woodend. The Dragons bowled Woodend out for 84, before finishing 0-86.
Romsey also made light work of Wallan. Romsey made 8-177 before bowling Wallan out for 82.
Bacchus Marsh defeated Diggers Rest Bulla in the other match.
MORE VTCA NEWS
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www.starweekly.com.au/sports/flag-defence-off-to-a-flier-for-the-bacchus-marsh/
