HISTORY BECKONS
SURFERS’ PITCH AT BASEBALL GLORY
A SHOWDOWN with one of the greatest teams in Greater Brisbane League (GBL) history holds no fears for the Surfers Paradise youth brigade as they prepare for tonight’s date with destiny.
Chasing their first division 1 pennant since 2011-12, Surfers will open their grand final campaign at 7.30pm at Carina against a Windsor outfit looking to become the first team to win six straight A grade titles.
The Bluewave’s stunning rise has been built on a newlook roster brimming with youth, after the Coast side finished near the foot of the ladder in 2016-17.
And with the head-tohead record between the sides this season at two wins apiece, Surfers pitcher Brad Croft, 19, believes a changing of the GBL guard is nigh.
“Windsor have won it so many years in a row … and they’ve got a great bunch of guys but it drives us even more to beat them,” he said.
After moving from Victoria with his family three years ago, Croft has emerged as one of a number of young talents around which Surfers can build its own GBL dynasty.
Echoing the sentiments of coach Matt Corbitt, the former Dandenong junior representative star said culture was driving the club’s success.
“I’ve noticed the last couple of years, especially coming up from Melbourne, that the club culture there hits the roof. After a game there people sit around and have a beer whereas up here there’s not much of that.
“But the club culture (this season) has been amazing. There’s more of a bond. We look forward to trainings and seeing each other.”
Game two will be played at Carina at 1.30pm on Sunday, with the decider at 7.30pm on Wednesday if required.