QUEENS ON MISSION TO KICK CLEAR, SAYS LITTLE
SEASONED Queens coach and former top all-rounder Greg Little knows that two days of Kookaburra Cup matches this weekend could have a major impact on which teams play finals.
There is a round of oneday (40 overs) fixtures today, then eight T20 matches tomorrow leading into the final four rounds before the semis.
It is an intriguing scenario coming up because, as Little acknowledges, the weekend results are going to make or break some clubs.
For instance, premiers Queens are playing Alberton at Alberton today, then have home T20s at Greg Chaplin Oval against Burleigh (morning) and Alberton. Today (40 overs, 12.15pm)
Southport Labrador v PBC at GUGC Sports Oval.
Broadbeach Robina v Surfers at Voice Print Data Oval
Helensvale Pacific Pines v Burleigh at Hession Oval
Coomera Hope Island v Runaway Bay at Oxenford Oval
Mudgeeraba Nerang bye.
Sunday (T20s)
At Greg Chaplin Oval: Queens
Broadbeach Robina, second to Queens on standings, are up against Surfers Paradise at Voice Print Data Oval today but have only one T20 tomorrow, against Runaway Bay at Sam Loxton Oval.
“So we can either kick v Burleigh (10am); Queens v Alberton (2pm).
At GUGC Sports Oval: Southport v Surfers (10am); Southport v Burleigh (2pm).
At Salk Oval: PBC v Coomera Hope Island (10am); PBC v Mudgeeraba Nerang (2pm).
At Sam Loxton Oval: Runaway Bay v Helensvale Pacific Pines (210am); Runaway Bay v Broadbeach Robina (2pm).
clear of Broady or be still stuck in the mud beside them,” Little said.
“We still have to play them in a couple of weeks but even if we win all three this weekend I think that will be the game to decide the minor premiership.”
Today’s 40-overs games carry a maximum of eight points (six for a win plus two bonuses) and the T20s have a maximum of six (four plus two).
Even though Queens are away to Alberton today Little is wary because the Force pulled off a boilover back in Round 7.
Queens have Jimmy Spargo and Harry Winton fully fit after injuries but have lost opener Matt Brown (overseas). With regular Aaron Brook still injured Queens will have a brand new opening partnership.
Another crunch fixture is at Hession Oval where home side Helensvale Pacific Pines host Burleigh, fourth against fifth, in a round when thirdplaced Mudgeeraba Nerang have the bye.