Nelson plots a victory course
OFF-SEASON signing Josh Nelson is prepared for a key role he will have to play for the Gold Coast Dolphins to beat city powers University today.
Nelson (17) and former Queensland Sheffield Shield batsman Nick Stevens (16) take up the chase when the Dolphins resume at 2-53 chasing University’s first-day score of 238 in a Brisbane Premier Grade fixture at Bill Pippen Oval at Robina.
All going well and with similar wicket conditions as last weekend, Nelson is confident he and Stevens can set the platform for a victory against the premiers.
“We have a big game going on and we have a big responsibility,” the 23-year-old former Mudgeeraba-Nerang star said.
“We just have to start well, bat the first hour and have a good partnership. The first hour is probably the most important.”
Nelson has played just the one first-grade game in Dolphins colours – he made only six against Toombul on debut – but he has two centuries to his name in second grade.
He made 136 in a two-day game against South Brisbane, then last weekend played in a second grade semi-final and hit 120 off 128 deliveries.
“I want my hundreds in first grade now,” Nelson declared. “I’m hungry for them.”
Nelson previously played under-16s for the Dolphins but ended up with MudgeerabaNerang in the local Kookaburra Cup before deciding it was time to give the grade scene a crack.
Dolphins president Jeff Pfaff, a past Peter Burge Medal winner and prolific club runsscorer, likes Nelson’s attitude.
“He’s patient and he’s gritty and he’s going exceptionally well with the bat,” Pfaff said.
Once again left-arm swingman Scott Walter looms as danger man for the Dolphins.
Walter had already taken 36 wickets at an average of 10 against the Coast club and last weekend had 2-28.
However Walter played Second XI for Queensland against Tasmania during the week and bowled a total of 30 overs.