Alberton Ormeau and Gold Coast Thunder veteran Shane Connors confirms retirement from representative cricket

Veteran all-rounder Shane Connors says he is ready to pass the baton on to the next generation of Gold Coast Thunder players after confirming his retirement from representative cricket.

VETERAN all-rounder Shane Connors says he is ready to pass the baton on to the next generation of Gold Coast Thunder players after confirming his retirement from representative cricket.

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More than a decade on from his Thunder debut, the Alberton Ormeau star has decided to go out on a high following Gold Coast’s win at the Bulls Masters Country Challenge Twenty20 final at the Gabba last month.

Connors, who turns 42 this month, was happy to take a back seat throughout the tournament as new coach Simon Belston blooded the likes of Connor Brown and Bradley Munro.

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It is a strategy former South Queensland representative Connors believes has set the Gold Coast up for future Schaeffer Shield success.

“That’s a pretty good note to finish up on. I’m confident that we’re on the right path for future success, especially for the T20 stuff,” Connors said.

Shane Connors (left) in action for Alberton Ormeau. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

“(It’s) definitely time, my Achilles doesn’t like Sunday cricket anymore. Having a chat to Belston this season, I was keen to be a part of it and our success definitely wasn’t on the back of my playing, it was probably more my knowledge.

“I didn’t really have to do anything. We put together a talented squad but also the right plans in place.

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“I think it helps that Simon’s been in the (Kookaburra Cup) comp, he knows who he’s playing against and what they can bring. He doesn’t leave any stone unturned.

“He likes to dot his I’s and cross his t’s, which is really good to see at that level. (He wasn’t) just relying on naturally-talented blokes getting it done.

“It’s important to pick a squad that gels together.”

Connors in the field for the Thunder in Bundaberg.

Connors’ joy with the Thunder has come during a horror Kookaburra Cup campaign at Alberton, who remain last despite a breakthrough win against Helensvale Pacific Pines on Saturday.

But their fall from minor premiers to cellar-dwellers has done nothing to put thoughts of retirement from all cricket in Connors’ mind.

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“I’m really enjoying playing with the Hurricanes and seeing where the club can go,” he said.

“Last year was a showing of what we can do, this year is a showing of what can go wrong but I’ve still got a lot of mates I enjoy playing with and I still have the passion for the game.”