SEAN STEPS UP AFTER ORGAN’S EXIT
BROADBEACH Robina have begun planning their Kookaburra Cup finals assault without English import Felix Organ, with veteran Sean Fitzsimmons to reassume the captaincy against Helensvale Pacific Pines today.
On a two-year deal with Hampshire, Organ has been ordered to return home by March 7 to take part in the County side’s pre-season camp.
The top-order batsman, who has 321 runs at an average of 29 for the Cats this season, will play the second day of the current game away to Helensvale, as well as the Round 17 encounter against Coomera Hope Island.
However, he will miss the final-round battle with Queens, which could be make or break for both sides, and the finals series beginning on March 23.
As a result, he has relinquished the Broadbeach captaincy, with the club reappointing Fitzsimmons after he gave up the role earlier in the season due to injury, work and personal issues.
One of eight teams still with a realistic chance of playing finals, the thirdplaced Cats have their backs against the wall today at 1-32 chasing Helensvale’s 9-244 declared.
However, coach Shane Davis said Fitzsimmons’ experience would hold them in good stead for the remainder of the season.
“He’s definitely the right person to lead the club forward, he always has been in my opinion,” Davis said of Fitzsimmons, who has scored 97 runs at 24 in eight games this season.
“I’ve worked with him for 11 years. He thought about (the captaincy) and he’s taken it on for the rest of the year.
“He only stepped down because he couldn’t give me the time he needed to do it. He hasn’t played much this year for a number of reasons but he’d always play when he’s available.”
Elsewhere today, hosts Queens will begin their pursuit of Alberton Ormeau’s 279, Coomera Hope Island will resume at 5-32 away to Runaway Bay (197), and Surfers Paradise will defend 183 at home to Southport Labrador (1-65).