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The Bulletin looks at five things we’ve learned from the Gold Coast cricket season so far

With rain washing out majority of Gold Coast cricket fixtures over the weekend, the Bulletin looks at five things we’ve learned over the course of the season.

WITH rain washing out majority of Gold Coast cricket fixtures over the weekend, the Bulletin looks at five things we’ve learned over the course of the season.

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BUSHMAN RETURNS BIGGER AND BETTER

Having returned to Mudgeeraba Nerang this season on the back of a successful campaign with the Gold Coast Dolphins, opening batsman Kevin Chapman has been in near career-best form in the Kookaburra Cup.

The Gold Coast Thunder star has scored a competition-high 575 runs at 63.89, notching three tons and two half-centuries in 11 innings.

Mudgeeraba Nerang batsman Kevin Chapman. Picture: Steve Holland
Mudgeeraba Nerang batsman Kevin Chapman. Picture: Steve Holland

HOW CUP WASHOUTS COULD SHAPE FINALS RACE

MAX CAN BE A LONG-FORM FORCE

Earlier this season, Gold Coast Dolphins opener Max Bryant revealed he was still learning how to transfer his white-ball prowess to red-ball cricket.

It seems he’s found the answer.

While the 20-year-old’s inconsistent Big Bash League form saw him dropped from the Brisbane Heat side, he now has three first grade hundreds for the Dolphins – all in two-day fixtures – and a ton for the Cricket Australia XI this season.

Max Bryant en route to a ton for the Cricket Australia XI against England Lions at Metricon Stadium on February 2. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Max Bryant en route to a ton for the Cricket Australia XI against England Lions at Metricon Stadium on February 2. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

‘HE’S JUST A LEVEL ABOVE’ - FINS’ UNSUNG HERO IN FINALS PUSH

CENTAURS UNEARTH FAST BOWLING GEM

A bit-part Kookaburra Cup contributor since making his debut in 2015-16, Queens quick Blake Chapman has come of age this season to play a crucial role in keeping their finals hopes alive.

His 28 wickets, at an average of 11.75, are the second-most in the competition and include a maiden five-wicket haul against Coomera Hope Island in December.

Queens fast bowler Blake Chapman. Picture: Steve Holland
Queens fast bowler Blake Chapman. Picture: Steve Holland

BACK AND BUB CAN’T KEEP CROC OUT OF CUP CHARGE

DOLPHINS DON’T NEED FIRE POWER

Runners-up for the Katherine Raymont Shield’s one-day crown in 2018-19, Gold Coast have this season proven they don’t need Queensland Fire trio Delissa Kimmince, Sammy-Jo Johnson and Georgia Redmayne to be a title force.

With a crop of rising stars and dependable captain in Belinda McDougall, the Dolphins are on the brink of the minor premiership and are perfectly placed for a breakthrough crown.

Gold Coast Dolphins captain Belinda McDougall. Picture: Mike Batterham
Gold Coast Dolphins captain Belinda McDougall. Picture: Mike Batterham

LETHAL CROCS, LYONS ROARS & GAME OF THE SEASON - FIVE THINGS

DEMONS PROVE DOUBTERS WRONG

Wooden spooners last season, Surfers Paradise have risen from the ashes in 2019-20 to put one foot in the semi-final door.

One win from their final three games could be enough to seal their first top-four finish since 2016-17.

Surfers Paradise captain Claye Beams (right) has steered the Demons to the brink of the Kookaburra Cup finals. Picture: Steve Holland
Surfers Paradise captain Claye Beams (right) has steered the Demons to the brink of the Kookaburra Cup finals. Picture: Steve Holland

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/cricket/the-bulletin-looks-at-five-things-weve-learned-from-the-gold-coast-cricket-season-so-far/news-story/654a6e39ca71afde9c3a5acb4b629280