‘Canes dare to dream

ALBERTON Ormeau are adamant they have the confidence and momentum to complete their Kookaburra Cup fairytale when they meet Broadbeach Robina in the premiership decider this weekend.

Having already claimed the minor premiership, last season’s wooden spooners took another giant stride towards their first title since 2013-14 with a 28-run victory at home to Southport Labrador in the semi-final yesterday.

Defending Saturday’s total of 9-230, the Hurricanes were made to fight for their spot in the grand final before the Tigers’ resistance eventually ended at 202 in the 65th over.

With Broadbeach Robina now looming in the final next weekend, Alberton captain Corey Galloway, who finished with figures of 4-42, said belief was at an all-time high.

“Because it was a close game (against Southport) and there was a lot of pressure, it’s good because a grand final is obviously massive pressure. We fought through that and I think it will help put us in good stead next week,” Galloway said.

“It’s probably the best team we’ve ever had on the field. Every game we play it’s someone different that steps up.”

Alberton’s day one total was built on the back of Shane Connors (47) and Steven Page (31), while Southport quick Josh Reid did his best to limit the damage with 5-50.

In reply, Southport started brightly to reach 2-113 as Nic Peterson (35) and Harry Maher (59) hit stride, but a steady procession of wickets – halted temporarily by some lower-order heroics from Jai Weise (47) – ended the pursuit.

Nick Yule (2-38) and Travis Bischoff (2-43) were also crucial with the ball for the Hurricanes.

“It was a tough two days,” Southport captain Simon Belston said. “We knew coming in that we were going to be up against a good, powerful batting line-up.

“Alberton are a very good side and now it’s for these two powerhouses (Alberton and Broadbeach) to battle it out next week.”