History arrives in Cup decider
THE wait is over.
Twelve years on from their formation, Burleigh celebrated the biggest moment in their history on Saturday as they lifted the Kookaburra Cup for the first time.
The Bullsharks stormed to a 120-run triumph over fellow grand final debutants Helensvale Pacific Pines at Arundel, with New Zealand run machine Rhys McCarthy (62) laying the platform for their total of 6-189.
Helensvale never got going in reply, with Burleigh spinner Daley Miller (5-6) running riot to help skittle the Hawks for 69.
After guiding the Bullsharks from 10th spot on the ladder last season, Burleigh captaincoach Simon Belston said the victory meant “everything”.
“It means the world to the boys, it means a lot to the committee. Steve Miller, the president, has been a rock this year and credit must go to him as well,” Belston, in his second season at the club after arriving from England, said.
“It’s a brilliant feeling to win a flag and be premiers. It’s a huge achievement.
“We had a fantastic day. We got together on Friday night, had a team dinner and team meeting and we weren’t ever going to miss an opportunity to bring home that flag.
“I don’t think words can describe (the transformation) and results show. A picture paints a thousand words and I think in the senior groups at Burleigh this year we’ve raised eyebrows.
“The twos played in a grand final and third grade were minor premiers. It’s quite an astounding year.
“The club wanted it and worked hard for it and came out on top.”
Burleigh raced out of the blocks on the back of openers Eddie Burton (18) and Mark Cummings (31), before McCarthy showed his class in a 63ball knock.
Helensvale then looked on track early, but the dismissal of opener Ben Daley sparked a collapse of 8-26.
Bound for Southport Labrador next season, Belston admitted it would be hard to say goodbye to his fellow Bullsharks history-makers.
“It’s quite an emotional time because Burleigh is very close to me and they’ve done a huge amount in terms of where I’m at with my cricket. The club can really go on from here.”