Burleigh’s princely test

Premiers Queens come calling for rebuilt rivals

BURLEIGH captain-coach Simon Belston says his side isn’t put off by the prospect of playing premiers Queens as they look to continue their perfect start to the season.

Burleigh beat Broadbeach-Robina and Runaway Bay on their way to securing back-toback wins for the first time in a season since November 2015.

Belston said the best test of his side’s quality will come today at Greg Chaplin Oval.

“I’m not put off by (Queens) to be honest,” Belston said.

“We are two from two but there is no better test than coming up against last year’s premiers.

“We are looking forward to it and we are ready for it. Cricket is a funny game.

“It will be a good early indication of where our group is at.

“It is still early in the season and it won’t determine much throughout the year, there is still a lot of cricket to play.”

Queens made light work of last season’s grand finalists Surfers Paradise last week, bowling them out for 27 before cruising to victory without losing a wicket.

Burleigh finished 10th in the 2016/17 Cricket Gold Coast first grade season but have turned a corner this term.

Belston said the club was now positioned to have a crack at the finals.

“We struggled last year but got together a new group throughout winter,” he said.

“It certainly gives us a bit more strength and depth which is something you need on the coast to be able to compete for honours.

“Playing finals is something we would like to do this season.

“We have got a great group together with a mix of experience and quality.”

Meanwhile, the Gold Coast Dolphins are up against it going into the second day of their Round 7 Queensland Premier Cricket game against Western Suburbs at Graceville.

Wests are 8-320 and will have the option of declaring or batting on to increase the mammoth total