Thunder sticking with a good thing
GOLD Coast Thunder coach Simon Belston says it is up to the players to repay the selectors’ faith in them in next weekend’s Bulls Masters Country Challenge final after sticking with the same 12-man squad to take on North Queensland.
The Thunder booked their ticket to the January 19 final at the Gabba with three wins from four Twenty20 games at October’s Bulls Masters Country Challenge in Bundaberg, including over looming opponents North Queensland.
That success prompted Thunder hierarchy to retain the same squad to face the Monsoons, despite a lull in form for a handful of players.
Belston said he had full confidence the men chosen would do the Gold Coast proud.
“I’m not here to take away an opportunity for the 12 blokes who got us there (to the final) in the first place. We felt it was the strongest T20 side we could put on the field (in Bundaberg), so there’s no change in thought process moving into the Gabba,” Belston said.
“It’s a great opportunity for (the players) to get up there and showcase their skills on a world-class stage. We are asking for as much support from the cricket community as possible.”
The game, which will begin at noon and offers free entry for spectators, will serve as a curtain-raiser to the Brisbane Heat’s Big Bash League clash with the Melbourne Renegades from 6.10pm.
THUNDER SQUAD
Nic Peterson (c) (Southport Labrador), Matthew Yiend (wk) (Alberton Ormeau), Phil Tunnicliffe (Coomera Hope Island), Kevin Chapman (Mudgeeraba Nerang), Josh Nelson (Mudgeeraba Nerang), Wade Kilborn (Southport Labrador), Shane Connors (vc) (Alberton Ormeau), Corey Galloway (Alberton Ormeau), Bradley Munro (Mudgeeraba Nerang), Sam Winton (Queens), Josh Reid (Southport Labrador), Connor Brown (Mudgeeraba Nerang).