Alberton Ormeau confident they can complete rags-to-riches tale in Kookaburra Cup grand final

ALBERTON Ormeau are adamant they have the confidence and momentum to complete their Kookaburra Cup fairytale when they meet Broadbeach Robina in the premiership decider next weekend.

ALBERTON Ormeau are adamant they have the confidence and momentum to complete their Kookaburra Cup fairytale when they meet Broadbeach Robina in the premiership decider next weekend.

Having already claimed the minor premiership, last season’s wooden spooners took another giant stride towards their first title since 2013-14 with a 28-run victory at home to Southport Labrador in the semi final today.

Defending Saturday’s total of 9-230, the Hurricanes were made to fight for their spot in the grand final before the Tigers’ resistance eventually ended at 202 in the 65th over.

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With Broadbeach Robina now looming in the final next weekend, Alberton captain Corey Galloway, who finished with figures of 4-42, said belief was at an all-time high.

“Because it was a close game (against Southport) and there was a lot of pressure, it’s good because a grand final is obviously massive pressure. We fought through that and I think it will help put us in good stead next week,” Galloway said.

“It’s probably the best team we’ve ever had on the field. Every game we play it’s someone different that steps up.

Alberton Ormeau’s Steven Page bats on day one.

“Everyone does their part so you’re confident when you look around and there’s someone different (to turn to). Alberton always flattens out after about 15 overs so I thought if we bat first and can get through that there’ll be scoreboard pressure.

“I was hoping at one point we could get to 180 but then to get to 230 I thought that was very good. We’re pretty confident (about next week) but in grand finals anyone can win.

“It’s whoever soaks in the most pressure but we’re confident going in after that.”

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Alberton’s day-one total was built on the back of Shane Connors (47) and Steven Page (31), while Southport quick Josh Reid did his best to limit the damage with 5-50.

In reply, Southport started brightly to reach 2-113 as Nic Peterson (35) and Harry Maher (59) hit stride, but a steady procession of wickets – halted temporarily by some lower-order heroics from Jai Weise (47) – ended their courageous pursuit.

Nick Yule (2-38) and Travis Bischoff (2-43) were also crucial with the ball for the Hurricanes.

“It was a tough two days,” Southport captain Simon Belston said.

“We knew coming in that we were going to be up against a good, powerful batting line up. Although we identified at the start of the week that whatever they put on board, it’s something we can chase with the depth that we’ve got.

“Unfortunately we just fell short but credit to Alberton. It’s a big field out there and 230 runs on the board in a final counts for a lot.

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“With wickets and pressure throughout the second innings, it was always going to be a tough task. We just fell shy losing wickets in clumps.

“Alberton are a very good side and now it’s for these two powerhouses (Alberton and Broadbeach) to battle it out next week.”