Kettle keeps Lions settled
PALM Beach Currumbin has jumped to the top of the Kookaburra Cup ladder but coach Ryan Kettle isn’t concerned about the pressure.
The Lions are the only team yet to lose a game in the Kookaburra Cup this season and will look to continue their winning ways against Southport Labrador at Palm Beach on Saturday.
Playing-coach Kettle said his team was aware of its placing in the league but wasn’t putting much thought into it.
“It’s still early so ladder positions don’t mean a whole lot yet,” he said.
“We’ve had two washouts so who knows what would have happened in those games.
“We’re not scared of losing and we won’t become complacent because of our start to the season.
“The top seven teams are all very competitive and can beat each other on their day.”
The Tigers are one of those seven teams according to Kettle who said his side would be more focused on its own plans rather than the opposition on Saturday.
“We know if we stick to our game and what has worked, it’ll go a long way to us winning,” he said.
Kettle has been in superb form with the ball, leading the competition with 17 wickets at 17.76.
The humble leg-spinner credited his teammates for his performance, which has included three five-wicket hauls.
“We don’t look at who gets the wickets. Scoreboard pressure and tight bowling from the other end make my job a lot easier,” he said.
“Canning (Mason) has been great for us with the bat. He’s an experienced cricketer and came to us from the Dolphins this year.
“He gets on with everyone, which can sometimes be hard for those coming from a different set-up.”
In other Round 9 games, Mudgeeraba Nerang and Districts will look to bounce back after its first loss of the season last weekend when it travels to play Coomera Hope Island.
Queens hosts Alberton Ormeau as the Centaurs look to stay in the top three.
Helensvale Pacific Pines and Runaway Bay will both look to gain some momentum in their clash after less-thandesirable starts to the season.
Broadbeach Robina hopes to continue its winning form against Burleigh after knocking off the Bushmen last week.
An eighth-positioned Surfers Paradise will host the winless Colts.