DOLPHIN’S TOP KNOCK
YOUNG GUN’S DREAM DEBUT:
NATIONAL High Performance squad member Lewin Maladay did not take long to make an impression with the Gold Coast Dolphins in Brisbane Premier Grade cricket.
The 19-year-old, a member of the National High Performance Academy, may not have snaffled a victim as new keeper for the Dolphins.
But a cracking effort with the bat stamped Australian under-19 rep Maladay as definitely a name for the future as the Dolphins opened a new season with an impressive oneday win against Wynnum-Manly at Bill Albury Oval in Tingalpa.
Maladay’s debut innings for the Dolphins was 69 runs, forged from 64 deliveries and including four fours and as many sixes.
Coming in with the Dolphins struggling at 5-99, Maladay marked his club debut with a record partnership for the seventh wicket – 156 runs in a stand with teammate Cameron Francis.
This established a one-day format record for the Dolphins, breaking the 123 from Adam Daniels and Damian Wallis during the 1990-2000 season.
Malady is at the Dolphins to take over the keeping duties from now coach Wallis.
“I’ve heard a lot of good stories about Wally,” Maladay said. “I have big gloves to fill and hopefully I can do well with the Dolphins.
“It was good to get some runs early in the season to show the Dolphins what I can do with the bat.”
Maladay had a slowish start given the circumstances, not scoring for three overs as he and Francis settled in to turn things around.
With Francis hitting a sparkling 89 from as many deliveries (nine fours and three sixes) the Dolphins made 8-291 from their 50 overs, then dismissed Wynnum for 203 from 37.5 overs.
They had a scare when opener Nick King went berserk, smashing 72 from only 36 deliveries (10 fours and four sixes) before Matt Kuhnemann (3-26) ended the fireworks by taking his crucial wicket.