Burdon ton has Coast on high
THE Gold Coast Dolphins’ finals destiny is in their own hands after shocking secondranked Wests by 44 runs in Queensland Premier Cricket.
Teenager Hugo Burdon scored his second century of the season in the must-win clash on Saturday to give his side a chance to enter the playoffs for the first time since the 2013-2014 season.
That will all come down to whether the Dolphins can handle a Sandgate-Redcliffe side who have built momentum since returning from the Christmas break.
A washout last weekend forced the shortening of the two-day fixture with Wests to a 50-over contest.
Burdon’s ton showcased class and maturity beyond the batsman’s 18 years of age, according to coach Chris Swan.
“Hugo’s ton was superb,” the coach said. “He copped a couple of hits on the helmet and a couple of balls stood up sharply on him.
“He batted through pain and discomfort but came out the other end and dictated the tempo and flow of the innings to bring up his second ton of the year.”
Burdon’s knock was sorely needed because the next topscoring Dolphin, Jack Hargreaves, posted 44 from 47 before being caught out. Burdon eventually fell as the eighth wicket taken with his side sitting comfortably on 263 runs with a lively deck offering plenty to the bowlers.
Queensland Academy of Sport XI inductees Max Kuhnemann and Liam HopeShackley took two wickets each while paceman Josh Kann took three to dismiss Western Suburbs for 225.
Swan said his side were building nicely ahead of a second-straight sudden death knockout before finals begin.
“They’re building, definitely excited,” he said. “We’re still a young squad but to be around finals time and still in contention, the boys are hungry.
“Winning premierships and playing their best cricket in the biggest games drives a lot of men.
“It would be nice if we could bring our best, get to finals and create some lifelong memories.”
The Dolphins hover on the precipice of qualifying for the finals with the dangerous Northern Districts club also in contention.
The side will focus squarely on the challenge of a dangerous Sandgate-Redcliffe team desperate to halt their plunge after dropping six of their last eight.
The Dolphins are scheduled to host them at Bill Pippen Oval.