A Cup above the rest
As the second half of the Kookaburra Cup season nears, the Bulletin selects its best side of the first 11 rounds.
STEVEN BAKER
(BROADBEACH ROBINA) Having amassed 457 runs at 91.40 at the top of the order, the Cats veteran is arguably the first player picked in this side.
NATHAN REARDON
(SURFERS PARADISE)
He has played just six of a possible 11 games but the former Queensland star, who also played T20 internationals for Australia, has blasted two halfcenturies and one ton for 318 runs at 63.60.
KEVIN CHAPMAN
(MUDGEERABA NERANG) Chapman has been impressive in his return from the Gold Coast Dolphins, hitting two tons en route to 366 runs at 61 and chipping in with vital wickets.
KYLE BROCKLEY (C)
(BROADBEACH ROBINA) After an inconsistent start to the season, the Cats captain hit stride before the Christmas break to reach 325 runs at 40.63 to go with 14 wickets at 10.14.
HARRY MAHER
(SOUTHPORT LABRADOR) A sparkling 131 against Alberton Ormeau has been the highlight for the versatile batsman, who has 317 runs at 45.29.
RYAN KETTLE
(PALM BEACH CURRUMBIN) After smashing 148 against Burleigh in R5, Kettle now has 376 runs at 41.78 and 16 wickets at 13.63 with his leg spin.
CLAYE BEAMS (WK)
(SURFERS PARADISE) After taking over the firstgrade captaincy, Beams has led last season’s wooden spooners from the front with 378 runs at 42.
WAYNE PHILLIPS
(SURFERS PARADISE)
The Demons veteran has wound back the clock this season, picking up 18 wickets at 12.78 and chipping in with 190 lower-order runs at 21.11.
REECE MCDONALD
(right) (BROADBEACH ROBINA)
A key figure in the Cats’ premiership success last season, McDonald has picked up where he left off with 24 wickets at 8.08.
OLI McGEE
(SOUTHPORT LABRADOR) The Englishman sits third on the overall wicket-taking tally — the most of any spinner – with 22 scale at 11.86.
BLAKE CHAPMAN
(QUEENS)
The crafty right-armer has come of age for the Centaurs this season, claiming a competition-high 25 wickets at 9.80.