Hugo Burdon century puts Dolphins’ Finals destiny in their own hands

Teenager Hugo Burdon scored his second century of the season in the must-win clash to give his side a chance to enter the playoffs for the first time since the 2013/2014 season.

The Gold Coast Dolphins’ Finals destiny is in their own hands after shocking second-ranked Wests by 44 runs on Saturday.

Teenager Hugo Burdon scored his second century of the season in the must-win clash to give his side a chance to enter the playoffs for the first time since the 2013/2014 season.

That will all come down to whether the Dolphins can handle a Sandgate-Redcliffe side who have built momentum since returning from the Christmas break.

A washout last weekend forced the shortening of the two-day fixture with Wests to a 50-over contest.

Day two of Queensland Premier Cricket game between Gold Coast and Valleys at Bill Pippen Oval, Robina. Dolphins batsman Hugo Burdon. Pic Mike Batterham

Burdon’s ton showcased class and maturity beyond the batsman’s 18 years of age, according to coach Chris Swan.

“Hugo’s ton was superb,” the coach said.

“He copped a couple of hits on the helmet and a couple of balls stood up sharply on him.

“He batted through pain and discomfort but came out the other end and dictated the tempo and flow of the innings to bring up his second ton of the year.”

Burdon’s knock was sorely needed as the next topscoring Dolphin, Jack Hargreaves, posted 44 from 47 before being caught out.

Burdon eventually fell as the eighth wicket taken with his side sitting comfortably on 263 runs with a lively deck offering plenty to the bowlers.

Queensland Academy of Sport XI inductees Max Kuhnemann and Liam Hope-Shackley took two wickets each while paceman Josh Kann took three to dismiss Western Suburbs for 225.

Coach Swan said his side were building nicely ahead of a second-straight sudden death knockout before finals begin.

“They’re building, definitely excited,” he said.

“We’re still a young squad but to be around finals time and still in contention, the boys are hungry.

“Winning premierships and playing their best cricket in the biggest games drives a lot of men.

“It would be nice if we could bring our best, get to finals and create some lifelong memories.”

The Dolphins hover on the precipice of qualifying for finals with the dangerous Northern Districts club also in contention.

The side will focus squarely on the challenge of a dangerous Sandgate-Redcliffe team desperate to halt their plunge after dropping six of their last eight.

The Dolphins will host them at Bill Pippen Oval.