Burleigh’s bid for respect gets an early boost
BURLEIGH may have shocked Broadbeach in Round 1, but the long-time Kookaburra Cup strugglers reckon they have more surprises in store this season.
The Bullsharks’ bid to overturn their status as a fodder for the competition’s big boys copped an almighty injection on Saturday with a 10-run vic- tory at Voice Print Data Oval.
Defending 108 on a green deck and slow outfit, Burleigh rolled the Cats for just 98 to send an immediate message as to why this season is destined to be different.
“Is it a surprise based on past history? Probably,” captain Simon Belston said.
“Is it a surprise for Burleigh and the group we have got together this year? No.
“We know what kind of quality we have in the group this year.
“In the past no-one would have given us a sniff. We have a good mix this year with experience and quality.”
The key to that turnaround, Belston figures, is an all-round bowling attack which shared wicket-taking duties.
English recruit Alex Breckin (3-14 off seven overs) made an immediate impact, with the left-armer snaring the key scalps of Sean Fitzsimmons and Steven Baker.
Tom Oxley, a 192cm English recruit, chipped in with 1-19 from eight overs.
“He’s bowling with a bit of gas,” Belston said.
“It’s a good balance to the bowling attack.
“For those games that go down to the wire you need to call on a bit of experience and we have got that this year.
“Round 1 isn’t going to tell you where you are going to finish. But to go to Broady and get a win, we will take a hell of a lot of confidence.
“We’re excited for the season ahead.”
Elsewhere, Michael Waldren’s unbeaten 85 powered Surfers Paradise (7-169) to victory over Runaway Bay (7-168) with one over to spare.
Joel Menzies earlier hit 53 for Runaway Bay to set up the target at Sam Loxton Oval.