The Gold Coast Thunder blew the chance to contend back to back Bulls Master finals
The Gold Coast Thunder has vowed to return stronger after a “bitterly disappointing” loss to North Queensland ended their back to back Bulls Masters Country Challenge title dreams on Sunday. FULL RECAP.
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THE Gold Coast Thunder has vowed to return stronger after a “bitterly disappointing” loss to North Queensland ended their back to back Bulls Masters Country Challenge title dreams on Sunday.
Returning to the site of their Bundaberg triumph, the Thunder went undefeated in all three pool matches to earn book themselves a finals berth against North Queensland.
But in a rematch of January’s Gabba final, it was the Monsoons who conjured the perfect dose of revenge and sent the Thunder packing.
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On a challenging wicket, the Thunder posted a total of 8/110 after losing three quick wickets in the opening overs.
Kevin Chapman and Josh Nelson consolidated the run chase in the middle overs but the Thunder felt they were 20 runs short of a competitive total.
North Queensland needed only 18 overs to chase down victory, losing four wickets in the process.
Thunder coach Simon Belston backed his squad to return stronger next year after failing in their bid for back to back titles.
“Twenty20 is a game of fine margins, and you make one mistake and it can become very costly,” Belston said.
“With 110 on the board, we knew we had to bowl and field well and things didn’t go our way.
“Sometimes game plans come off and sometimes they come back to bite you in the ass.
“We executed really well throughout the whole weekend but couldn’t when it mattered.
“I have no doubt with this group, they are a classy group and they’ll come back stronger.
“It’s a tough pill to swallow but we’ve got a great group and the Gold Coast has been doing really great things and blooding new boys and developing our talent so we’ll be back.”
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Captain Nic Peterson, Twenty20 showman Corey Galloway and Kevin Chapman were the Thunders best performers across the weekend as the entire squad now turn their attention to club duties and the 2020/21 Kookaburra Cup season starting this Saturday.
EARLIER: Fast Five with Thunder veteran
AS the Gold Coast Thunder prepare to head back to Bundaberg in search of back to back Bulls Masters Twenty20 titles, we sit down with all-rounder Wade Kilborn to get his thoughts on his favourite teammates to watch, his worst teammate to travel with, and how the Thunder won their 2020 title.
Name: Wade Kilborn
Age: 38
Club: Southport Labrador
Position: All-rounder
Who is the player you most look forward to playing alongside?
“I always look forward to watching Phil Tunnicliffe. If he can get going again at the top, he’s a great player and a lot of X-Factor. If he gets going, no ground is big enough for him. Nic Peterson is always good to watch as well. We play together at Labrador. We’ve got a good squad again and the new guys fit in well.”
Who is the worst to travel with?
“Probably any of the Mudgee boys. Take your pick out of those three.”
What do you think was the reason behind the Thunder’s success last year?
“It was good to get a win again because I think the Coast had missed out on finals for 4-5 years leading up. I think our coach made a big difference. Simon Belston put together a Twenty20 squad whereas in the past they’ve tried to pack in the better longer format players. It’s a big prize for us local cricketers. Everyone was pretty pumped but one of the biggest keys was how well our side gelled together. The boys all enjoyed each other’s company. The end prize is pretty big. It’s a new year and a new look team so we’re looking to start again and replicate our good form.”
You mentioned gelling as a side. How does that work in a format like this considering you guys have only met up once as a collective before you start playing together?
“I’m not sure how it worked. We normally hate each other and play against each other but however it happened, it all worked last year. Simon worked his magic as well. It was a very professional environment and we didn’t have to worry about a thing except performing. There’s always a bit of banter flying around and as soon as this is wrapped up, we’ll go back to being rivals.”
As one of the older, more experienced guys on the team, do you take on a bit of a mentoring role and try and develop our next generation of talent?
“I’m just happy to be a part of the team again at this point! The young guys are pretty vocal and don’t need an old-timer like me telling them what to do.”
EARLIER: Biggest strengths of each Gold Coast Thunder star
BALANCE and flexibility are the two key pillars of the 2020 Gold Coast Thunder representative cricket side.
Coach Simon Belston selected his side with a healthy team balance and a mix of youth and experience in mind.
But while teamwork makes the dream work, each of the 12 players selected in the squad each bring their own unique skill set and strengths to the side.
As the team prepares to head back to Bundaberg and place one hand on back to back Bulls Masters Twenty20 championships, we sit down with Simon Belston and reveal the major strengths of each player set to represent our region.
Nic Peterson (C) (Southport Labrador):
A classy, level-headed cricketer who was chosen as captain for a reason. He’s a cool head in a high-pressure environment and should enter the batting line up at number three if the first wicket falls.
Kevin Chapman(Mudgeeraba Nerang):
An experienced and composed cricketer, Chapman brings a wealth of experience and helps his side get over the line by keeping his cool. Will open for the Thunder and face the new ball.
Phil Tunnicliffe (Coomera Hope Island):
While he hasn’t yet rediscovered his optimal run-scoring form in the Kookaburra Cup, Belston is backing Tunnicliffe to bring his A-Game to Bundaberg. A seasoned performer, Tunnicliffe returns from the Thunder’s championship side.
Corey Galloway(Alberton Ormeau):
One of the Thunder’s key batting aggressors, Galloway is expected to line up 8th in the batting order. He can hit bombs but is also a very economical order and is the type of player you need in a Tewenty20 side.
Wade Kilborn (Southport Labrador):
One of the best Gold Coast all-rounders for the past decade. Kilborn has a bag of tricks with the ball and is expected to handle the conditions with ease.
Josh Nelson (Mudgeeraba Nerang):
Nelson will feature early in the batting order if called upon. The Bushman is also one of the best ring fielders on the Gold Coast and is enthusiastic and energetic in the field.
Claye Beams (W/K) (Surfers Paradise):
Beams’ professionalism and experience make him a welcome addition to the Thunder side. A middle-order batsman and keeper, Beams will either be called upon to be an aggressor or accumulator based on the state of the game.
Brad Munro (Mudgeeraba Nerang):
One of the best boundary fielders in Gold Coast cricket. While instrumental in the field, Munro should use his young legs to have an impact with the ball.
Matt Madeley (Runaway Bay):
Belston believes Madeley is the best quick on the Gold Coast. Should be handed the new ball and do some damage early.
Zac Lopez (Palm Beach Currumbin):
Belston admitted he hadn’t seen a whole lot from Lopez in a handful of trial matches but what the Lion does bring is some huge power hitting. Can find the rope and clear it and will be called upon late in the order.
Blake Chapman (Queens):
The reigning leading wicket-taker for the one-day Kookaburra Cup competition, Chapman will be integrated into the side as needed.
Dhanushka Mitipolarachchi (Broadbeach Robina):
A debutant, the Thunder is excited about what the Cat can bring to the squad. A clever cricketer who should be handed the ball in the power play.
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