KOOKA BATTLE
ALL THE NEWS FOR FINALS SERIES
ALBERTON Ormeau will stay true to their attacking instincts as the Kookaburra Cup’s new minor premiers contend with the weight of expectation in this season’s finals series.
The Hurricanes completed a remarkable transformation from 2017-18 wooden-spooners to finals favourites with victory against Burleigh last weekend, successfully defending 129 to snatch top spot from the premiers in the final round.
With experienced recruits Shane Connors and Matthew Yiend providing the backbone, Alberton have played with freedom to storm home with six wins from their last seven games after claiming the T20 crown in December.
Securing top spot has brought with it new expectations but captain Corey Galloway said his side would enter their semi final at home to Southport Labrador today and tomorrow unshackled.
“I don’t think there’s any pressure for us. Being last last year, I don’t think any team expected us to finish first,” Galloway said.
“I don’t think we’re the top team, if that makes sense. I wouldn’t say I’m surprised (with our success) – I thought we definitely had a chance to get back into finals – but you could say I’m surprised we finished first.
“Now our ultimate goal is to win but I think we can play freely. That’s what we’ve done all year, that’s what our side is about – being aggressive, taking it to the other teams and
not letting them dictate.
“We’ve overachieved I think so hopefully we can win two more (games). That’d be very good for the club after what we’ve been through.”
The absence of a standout star had proved a blessing in disguise for the Hurricanes, Galloway said, adding last week’s defeat of Burleigh had taken belief to another level.
“Every game there’s been someone different who’s contributed, it hasn’t just been the one person all year,” he said.
“Last year we lacked firstgrade experience. We probably lost half our team from previous years and a lot of the players were second graders so they got the taste of first grade.
“The best part about (the Burleigh win) is we scored 130 and we defended it. I don’t think it really matters that we beat them, it was the fact everyone performed under pressure.
“They only needed 40 runs the second week with five wickets in hand and we ended up winning so I think it was more the fact everyone played under pressure because that’s what will happen in finals.”
Burleigh host Broadbeach Robina in the other semi.