Coutas depth a danger for Sharks
BPCA finals start Saturday and one participant in the quest to unseat Anglesea’s A1 domination is heading into the campaign full of confidence.
Queenscliff was not talked about as a serious contender when the season kicked off in November, but the Coutas will start favourites in their semifinal against Jan Juc today.
Despite a horror day against wooden-spooner Collendina in December, the Coutas have been the model of consistency all season, with a well-balanced team that stands up to pressure with bat and ball.
Coach Shane Healey backed in youth early in the season with key roles and it has paid dividends.
Lachie Kidd has blossomed with the bat after the Christmas break, complementing his productive bowling, while Jordan Monahan, 15, has belied his age with some mature performances under pressure with bat and ball.
“The kids have been fantastic all year, happily taking on the responsibility we have given them,” Healey said.
“We don’t look at them as developing anymore, but just part of the team.”
The mainstay of the attack has been 20-year-old offspinner Lachie Stott, whose 27 wickets have come at a cheap 11.67 average. He provides the variety with the ball and keeps the batters honest, conceding only 3.5 runs an over across the season.
An early season shoulder injury prevented Healey leading the attack, but the club found a more than worthy replacement with recalled veteran Tony Hanafin.
The Coutas batting has depth and experience, with the aggressive Kidd providing the perfect assault in the early overs while the field is up.
His partner, Tim Frankenberg, has been the rock of the line-up with 474 runs, while the newest addition to the club, middle-order player Kane Leathem, shapes as the big occasion weapon the team will look towards.
“We are very confident with our batting group and although some individuals take good form into the finals, we don’t rely totally on anyone,” Healy said. “We are confident with our preparation and form and certainly feel ready for the campaign.”
The Coutas share a win apiece this season with Saturday’s opponent, Jan Juc, but bring an edge in form over the Sharks into the game. All is set for a gripping semi-final.