ROBBO’S KNOCK
VETERAN BATSMAN’S RETURN TO FORM
BURLEIGH’S English captain-coach Simon Belston has delivered a defiant message to Kookaburra Cup rivals as the Bullsharks continue to emerge as title contenders.
Into his third season with Burleigh, Belston declared that the Bullsharks “are not going away” after a frustrating, storm-hit match against Coomera-Hope Island on Saturday.
The 40-overs clash was washed out by the late-afternoon storm with Burleigh defending 5-221 and with Coomera on fire at 0-114 after 15 overs.
Needing both sides to face a minimum of 20 overs to constitute a game, the fixture at Oxenford Oval ended in a draw.
Two highlight innings featured during play.
The first knock came from Burleigh’s Kiwi import Rhys McCarthy who went to the crease with the score at 2-26 and departed at 3-200 after a breezy 114 from 101 deliveries (13 fours and two sixes).
Then came Coomera playing coach Andrew Robinson, whose run drought ended with a knock of 74 not out (12 fours and two sixes).
“It was heading for an interesting finish before the storm hit,” Belston said.
“We knew we had to post 200-plus and to finish on 221 we were right in the mix.
“But when you have someone of the class of Robbo in the opposition side you’re never safe.”
Robinson backed up yesterday with 47 of Coomera’s disappointing 74 all out in a T20 against Queens.
Michael Spargo, so often playing in the shadow of big brother Queensland Country rep James, grabbed family bragging rights with 120 runs from 96 deliveries (eight fours and seven sixes) as Queens (8-241) drew with Southport Labrador (3-66 from 17 overs).
WHEN YOU HAVE SOMEONE OF THE CLASS OF ROBBO IN THE OPPOSITION SIDE YOU’RE NEVER SAFE BURLEIGH’S SIMON BELSTON
Another heavy scorer was Runaway Bay opener Rhys Howarth, who made 86 of the Bay’s 7-218 against Palm Beach Currumbin at Sam Loxton Oval.
PBC clawed their way to 4-74 from 20 overs, enough time at the crease to constitute a game and hand the Bay a win on a set target.