Sunshine’s new recruit Brad Jones. 71229 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
BY MICHAEL ESPOSITO
SUNSHINE coach Shaun Moore said it was crucial his side got off to a flying start in the Division Two Summer League season.
So far so good – the Eagles defeated Waverley 2-0 in the season-opener on Sunday.
Moore said Sunshine was a “much better outfit than last year” because the playing list had been retained and will benefit from have played a season together.
“As a group you bond,” he said.
“A few of us have played together for a long while, but as a group this will be our second year now and you add another two guys in there it nor only strengthens the ones it strengthens the club.”
Sunshine has secured the services of second baseman Brad Jones from Ballarat, while Moore’s brother Scott has returned. Both players are expected to boost the Eagles’ batting stocks.
“Defensively we were really strong last year. Offensively we just lacked with the bat a bit. We tended to have games where we didn’t have a hit until about the sixth. But this year will be a different year I think.”
Sunshine has opted against importing a pitcher, instead choosing to give the job to local lads Adam Irons and Rory Meddick.
“We have good depth in pitching this year,” Moore said.
“The first goal is to make finals, and re-assess then and try and get back into Division One,” Moore said.
To do so, Sunshine will have to improve its batting.
“I think we’ve got a good enough line-up to combat anyone throwing at us, whether it’s an American or junior or someone that throws pretty hard, I think we can definitely take it to them this year.
“Personally I really want to gave a really good year. I’ve been working pretty hard and just finished the winter season, and we won the grand final.”
