Batsman Paul Baird to make 100th Kookaburra Cup appearance for Helensvale Pacific Pines

HELENSVALE Pacific Pines batsman Paul Baird insists the Hawks are “not too far off the pace” as they look to mark the veteran’s 100th Kookaburra Cup appearance in style today.

HELENSVALE Pacific Pines batsman Paul Baird insists the Hawks are “not too far off the pace” as they look to mark the veteran’s 100th Kookaburra Cup appearance in style today.

Baird, 50, will become just the third Helensvale player – following Dave Gee (120 games) and Fred Stone (110) – to register a century of first grade games for the club when the Hawks travel to Coomera Hope Island for the first round of two-day fixtures.

COAST CRICKETERS TURN SELECTORS

After reaching the Kookaburra Cup grand final for the first time last season, the Hawks have recorded just one win in six one-day games in 2018-19 to sit bottom of the ladder.

But Baird was adamant all hope was not lost as they look to rebound from last weekend’s shock loss to Mudgeeraba Nerang.

Helensvale's Paul Baird will play his 100th Kookaburra Cup match today. Picture: Jodie Henderson

“We’re a little bit down on confidence now but that can turn around quickly. Hopefully this weekend is a good weekend for it and we can get kickstarted,” Baird, who joined Helensvale in 2007-08 via Melbourne and Auckland, said.

“Dylan Sherriff (coach) is doing a really good job. We’re not too far off the pace, we just need to play a little bit smarter.”

BUSHMEN LOOKING AT BIGGER PICTURE

A member of the Hawks side that earned Kookaburra Cup promotion with victory in the 2012-13 second grade final, Baird said a simple love of cricket was to thank for his impending milestone.

Baird (right) with Hawks assistant coach Nick Stevens and head coach Dylan Sherriff.

“I just love playing cricket so I guess it’s going to come around eventually. I guess with only two others (in the 100-game club) it is a fairly interesting landmark for club cricketers,” he said.

KEEPER KEEN TO RECLAIM GLOVES

“I’ve got my oldest son (Jack), who’s almost turning 21 and my youngest (Harry), who’s turning 14, so I’d like to spend a bit of time with him but I would at some point also like to have a game of cricket with all three of us.

“I need to keep myself fit and capable of playing but I might find in the next couple of years I slow down a bit.”

One-day fixtures will also be played on Sunday.

ROUND 8 FIXTURES (SATURDAY):

■ Southport Labrador vs. Queens

■ Coomera Hope Island vs. Helensvale Pacific Pines

■ Palm Beach Currumbin vs. Mudgeeraba Nerang

■ Burleigh vs. Runaway Bay

■ Broadbeach Robina vs. Surfers Paradise

ROUND 9 FIXTURES (SUNDAY):

■ Helensvale Pacific Pines vs. Burleigh

■ Runaway Bay vs. Surfers Paradise

■ Palm Beach Currumbin vs. Coomera Hope Island

■ Broadbeach Robina vs. Alberton Ormeau

■ Queens vs. Mudgeeraba Nerang