Coach’s exit to boost charge
star Sammy-Jo Johnson says the looming exit of hugely respected coach Garry Lovett has added more fuel to Gold Coast’s burning desire for a breakthrough Katherine Raymont Shield one-day crown.
Having lost just twice in 12 one-day fixtures this season, the runaway minor premiers will enter tomorrow’s do-ordie semi-final against fourthplaced Ipswich-Logan with arguably their best chance of ending a long title drought.
Since entering the women’s first-grade competition in 2013-14, the Dolphins have claimed just one piece of silverware – last season’s Twenty20 flag – despite appearances in five 50-over deciders and the 2016-17 T20 final.
Their hunger has only intensified since December following news of Lovett’s decision to stand down at the end of the season, with Johnson and her teammates now determined to send him out in the grandest way possible.
“The (playing) group is fantastic and Garry, we want to spend as much time as we can with him. We‘re hoping that we can a) win that semi and b) win the final and take home a trophy for him,” said Johnson, who has played four of the Dolphins’ past six games in a rare run of continuity at club level.
“I love playing club cricket, it’s good to come back where it all starts for you. We’re like a family, we like to spend a lot of time together.
“Any time that we can spend at the club (is good). It’s nice to just celebrate the wins together. We’ve played in so many finals over the years but we just haven’t got that title.
“With the playing group we’ve got, we’ve got the talent. I think both semi-finals will be really hotly contested. All we need to do is go out and play our best cricket.”
Shock losers to IpswichLogan in Round 25, the Dolphins bounced back to their best last weekend to crush Sandgate-Redcliffe by 50 runs in their top-of-the-table encounter at Robina.
Memories of last season’s loss to Wests in the final have not totally disappeared for the players but Queensland and Brisbane Heat all-rounder Johnson said a rematch with Ipswich-Logan held no fears.
“I think having that loss (two weeks ago) really helped us,” the 27-year-old said.
“I don’t think they necessarily outperformed us, we just underperformed. If we play well we should get over them.
“No one wants to lose but in terms of momentum it puts you back into reality. I think we’ve got the momentum leading into semi-finals.”
Play begins at 10am tomorrow at Bill Pippen Oval.