Tigers’ depth is key
SOUTHPORT Labrador player-coach Simon Belston believes his club is benefiting from improved depth as they bounced back from a shock loss in style.
The Tigers made a statement on Saturday, seven days after losing to Palm Beach Currumbin, by belting the Surfers Paradise attack en route to 5-246 from their 40 overs at GUGC Oval.
Chris Perry’s 4-9 and Oli McGee’s 3-30 then ensured the hosts would add a bonus point to their day’s work, rolling the Demons for 147.
But it was the fireworks of in-form top-order batsmen Nic Peterson (85) and Matt Morris (83) that really set up the show.
Peterson carried the squad last season with 690 runs – 313 more than any other Southport player. Now, he has serious internal competition from English recruit Morris, who has scored five fifties in a row including from the earlier Twenty20 competition.
Peterson is second on the competition-wide runs list having scored 269 at an average of 67.25, with Morris just behind on 267 at 89 – only Coomera Hope Island’s Phil Tunnicliffe is ahead.
“They’re a pleasure to watch, two lefties going about their business,” Belston said.
“There’s no danger in us having strength in depth this year.
“In terms of winning premierships and competing for finals, you need to be able to have that in your armoury and that’s something we have got down there this year.”
The only club to have gotten out of the blocks better is premiers Burleigh, where Belston coached last year.
The Bullsharks moved to four-from-four with a dominant display against Mudgeeraba Nerang, picking up a double bonus point win. Around the grounds:
■ Michael Spargo guided Queens through a tricky chase to end Alberton Ormeau’s undefeated run. The Centaurs slumped to 3-18 in pursuit of 7-168 before Spargo’s unbeaten 94 from 106 balls.
■ An almighty collapse cost Coomera, as they lost 9-39 to be bowled out for 158. Runaway Bay duo Lydon Gibbons (52) and Joel Menzies (65 not out) saw the visitors home comfortably.
■ Broadbeach Robina took a 38-run victory over Helensvale Pacific Pines after Cats bowlers Reece McDonald (2-16) and Tom Scriven (3-21) produced a damaging new-ball spell.