Nathan taking lion’s share

HE is the unsung hero of their Queensland Premier Cricket charge but the Gold Coast Dolphins will be without fast bowler Nathan Lyons for this weekend’s crucial battle with South Brisbane.

With 10 first grade wickets at a handy average of 34 this season, pace spearhead Lyons (pictured) has fast become a go-to man for Dolphins captain Max Houlahan.

In his second full season in the top grade, the 22-year-old produced a crucial four-wicket haul in his side’s Round 6 triumph over Wynnum Manly, before repeating the dose two games later against title heavyweights Sandgate-Redcliffe.

While Lyons’ efforts have helped the Dolphins move into seventh spot – 11 points adrift of the top four – ahead of their clash with South Brisbane today and tomorrow, a hamstring strain will keep the industrial design student on the sidelines at Bill Pippen Oval.

“I’ve been going quite well of late, I’ve been pretty happy with how they’re coming out,” Lyons, who debuted late in 2016-17, said.

“It’s been a bit on and off with wickets but that happens in cricket. I’m happy with how I’m bowling and that’s all I can do.

“It’s my second full season in first grade and I think I’ve been with the club for eight or nine (years) now. I reckon I improve every year, both personally and as a team.

“I love being a team player. If I don’t get wickets but we win, I’m happy with that.

“It’s a team game so I’m happy to do the team thing. Batsmen get in the headlines more often for chasing down 300 but the bowlers still played a role obviously.”

After finishing with 0-55 with the ball, Lyons was the only unused batsman as the Dolphins chased down Ipswich-Logan’s 306 with two wickets to spare last weekend.

“It’s always good to go into the next round with a win behind us. Every week, even if we’re not winning, we’re building on something.

“Souths (this weekend) and if we can get a win over them it might push us into the four. Hopefully I’ll be back ASAP, I don’t think (the hamstring) is too serious but better to be safe than sorry.”

In the women’s Katherine Raymont Shield, the Dolphins opened the weekend with a T20 against Ipswich-Logan last night and travel to Sandgate-Redcliffe on Sunday.