Games go down to wire in finals race
AN INTRIGUING final day of the Kookaburra Cup season looms on Saturday as four teams fight to keep their premiership dream alive.
One of the closest top-four races in recent memory became no clearer on day one of the final round on Saturday, with Southport Labrador (56pts), Palm Beach Currumbin (55pts), Mudgeeraba Nerang (53pts) and Queens (50pts) still scrambling for the final playoff position.
Holding fourth spot, the Tigers can all but end the debate with victory at home against Coomera Hope Island, but they have stumbled to 7-115 chasing 139.
Fast bowler Josh Reid (5-22) led the way with the ball before the hosts took control at 3-83, but four late wickets have reignited the contest.
Needing Southport to slip up or take outright victory against Runaway Bay, Palm Beach are also precariously poised at 2-39 in pursuit of 175.
Mudgeeraba have a battle on their hands after dismissing Helensvale Pacific Pines for 160, while Queens, needing a miracle, have Broadbeach Robina 3-20 after being rolled for 118.
“We have got to win our game and hope for more results to go our way. I think that’s the only way we can look at it,” Mudgeeraba captain Dylan McLaughlin said.
“It’s not out of the question but it’s unlikely both (the Southport and Palm Beach results) will go our way but you never know. We’re pretty confident chasing 160 as long as we set ourselves up at the top.
“I think it’s been a pretty awesome year for us because there’s been a lot of young guys come through so there hasn’t been a lot of expectation. All the young guys can be happy with what they have achieved.”
Southport captain-coach Simon Belston admitted the anxiousness surrounding the Tigers’ chase meant it was “going to be a long week”.
“The first half-hour of play will decide our destiny next week,” Belston said. “Knowing chasing the low total down would likely secure us finals, we’re certainly making hard work of it. If we fail to chase 138 then we don’t deserve to be in the final four. We have confidence in the remaining batsmen to get us over the line. I’m sure I’ll turn up to the ground next week with a fair few more grey hairs.”