Burleigh Bull Sharks skipper Jasper Schoenmaker winning respect - results will follow

The fifth-year veteran is now the youngest captain in the Kookaburra Cup, leading the competition’s youngest team. Results will take time but that is one resource Burleigh have aplenty.

There couldn’t be many tougher situations for a young captain to inherit than what Jasper Schoenmaker has found himself in at Burleigh.

The 20-year-old opening bat took over captaincy responsibilities for a team reeling from the loss of eight regular first graders in a single off-season.

The fifth-year veteran is now the youngest captain in the Kookaburra Cup, leading the competition’s youngest side - even with elder statesmen Jimmy and Michael Spargo dragging that average age up considerably.

Kookaburra Cup cricket, Helensvale Pacific Pines vs. Burleigh at Helensvale. Burleigh are batting. Photo of Jasper Schoenmaker. Photo by Richard Gosling

The young batsman has been a quiet achiever for his side, finding his captaincy voice while scoring 358 runs at an average of 39.9.

The results have been hard-won but Schoenmaker is relishing the chance to grow with his team and return Burleigh to the finals again.

“I started at the club when I was eight and they gave me a run in seniors when I turned 15 so Burleigh is all I’ve ever known,” the skipper said.

“Last year we had a considerable turnover so we’re a new group in that respect, but the main goal this year and for all years to win games and make the finals.

“We’ve got quite a young team with a lot of like-minded people who want to do well, listen and learn.

Kookaburra Cup cricket - Burleigh vs Alberton Ormeau at OzStrength Oval, Christine Avenue, Burleigh Waters. Alberton Ormeau batting. Shane Connors is bowled by Lackie O'Keefe (sequence 1of 3) Picure: Lawrence Pinder

“I’ve done a bit of captaincy in rep and junior cricket and enjoyed it but it’s been great having senior blokes like Jimmy and Micky Spargo helping out.

“Blokes have played a lot of cricket and they’ll differ with opinions but getting that respect from them is important.”

Schoenmaker’s form with the bat and in the field – leading the Kookaburra Cup in catches with 10 - is earning the respect of more than just his teammates.

Kookaburra Cup cricket - Burleigh vs Alberton Ormeau at OzStrength Oval, Christine Avenue, Burleigh Waters. Alberton Ormeau batting. O Southern bowling. Picure: Lawrence Pinder

The St Kilda fan and Burleigh Bombers back pocket scored his season-best 94 against Surfers Paradise with former Brisbane Lion Claye Beams chirping away from behind the stumps.

By the end of his innings, Schoenmaker’s batting had silenced the sledging.

Repeating that process with the rest of the competition will take time but that is one resource Schoenmaker’s young Burleigh Bullsharks have in ample supply.

ROUND 13 RESULTS

Mudgeeraba Nerang 7/231 d. Palm Beach Currumbin 161

Southport Labrador 4/177 d. Queens 8/173

Coomera Hope Island 7/249 d. Helensvale Pacific Pines 192

Runaway Bay 7/141 d. Alberton Ormeau 9/140

Broadbeach Robina v Surfers Paradise: TBA