Palm Beach claim first bit of silverware but remain determined to claim major prize this season
It was the grand final that had been put off for six weeks due to a rain interrupted January and February. But the wait was worth it for Palm Beach who silenced critics as they now eye off the major prize. Read all about the One Day grand finals here >>>
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The Palm Beach Currumbin Lions have silenced the critics and claimed the first bit of silverware for season 2023/24.
The Lions were the underdogs against a power-packed Mudgeeraba side in the one day cricket grand final on Sunday.
But Palm Beach spoiled the Mudgeeraba party winning the Premier First Grade One-Day grand final.
Palm Beach captain Cody Durante said it sets them up for a big March.
“This is brilliant, something we strive for leading into March,” Durante said.
“As I said, if we continue our form from the two-dayers into this final, we would go well, so a great feeling.
“Always helps when you lose the toss but that was an added bonus.”
Mudgeeraba won the toss and elected to bat first and looked to be in serious trouble losing opener Archie Fairfax-Ross in the first over.
It didn’t get much better for Mudgeeraba with wickets falling consistently, eventually being bowled out for just 68 in the 26th over.
Zane Anderson and Finn Lonnberg were the pick of the bowlers with 3-16 from eight overs and 3-17 from six overs respectively.
In reply, Palm Beach went hard early to make light work of the low total but lost two quick wickets leaving them still slightly in favour at 2-24.
As they closed down the total, Mudgeeraba took two more wickets to have Palm Beach 4-53 as rain started to come down.
But it wasn’t heavy enough to stop play as number three bat Jack Hocart (19 not out from 30 balls) and playing-coach James McNeil (8 not out from 6 balls) got Palm Beach over the line.
Finn Lonnberg was named player of the match for his bowling efforts early.
“I backed him in and he (Finn Lonnberg) proved me well,” Durante said.
“This does give us a load of confidence going into the two day format.”
In Premier Second Grade, Mudgeeraba won the most important game between them and Helensvale in what was the third time the two teams have met this season.
Batting first, Mudgeeraba set a massive run chase, finishing their innings at 9-218 from 40 overs.
Lachlan King top scored with 76 from 94 balls and was supported by Luke Smith’s run-a-ball 33.
Cole Turner was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4-28 from six overs for Helensvale.
In reply, opener Richard Sen battled away to top score with 46 from 77 balls while wickets fell around him.
Mudgeeraba’s Will Mahoney was the pick of the bowlers, running through the middle and lower order to claim figures of 4-42 from eight overs.
Helensvale fell 82 runs short with Mudgeeraba claiming the Premier Second Grade one day premiership.
*Bulletin journalist Jake Garland is a member of Surfers Paradise Cricket Club
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