Bulletin looks at Cricket Gold Coast’s lesser lights to pick Kookaburra Cup’s Underrated XI

IN a competition where the headlines are dominated by a select few, the Bulletin takes a look at the lesser lights to come up with the Kookaburra Cup’s Underrated XI. Find out who made it from your club.

IN a competition where the headlines are dominated by a select few, the Bulletin takes a look at the lesser lights to nominate the Kookaburra Cup’s Underrated XI.

MITCHELL FREEMAN (QUEENS)

Jimmy Spargo and Winton brothers Sam, Harry and Jack are the go-to men for the Centaurs, but Freeman has been impressive at the top of the order with 206 runs at 25, including a maiden century.

Queens opening batsman Mitchell Freeman. Picture: Jason O'Brien

JAMIE SAUNDERS (HELENSVALE PACIFIC PINES)

Another opening batsman, Saunders has shone in a disappointing Hawks campaign with 253 runs at 25.

Helensvale Pacific Pines’ Jamie Saunders. Picture: Richard Gosling

ZANE BEATTIE (PALM BEACH CURRUMBIN)

Beattie was the hero with an unbeaten 30 off 11 balls in the Lions’ outright win against Mudgeeraba Nerang in December, but his season tally of 275 runs at 21 shows it was no flash in the pan.

Palm Beach Currumbin’s Zane Beattie. Picture: John Gass

MAHESH RAJARATNE (SURFERS PARADISE)

While the Demons have spent most of the season at the bottom of the ladder, Rajaratne has been ever-reliable with 11 wickets at 28.18 and 257 runs at 18.36.

CHANDIMA ABEYKOON (BURLEIGH)

Following an off-season of change for the Bullsharks, new recruit Abeykoon has shown his all-round skills with 226 runs at 25 and 10 wickets at 26.

Burleigh's Chandima Abeykoon. Picture: Jerad Williams

DHANUSHKA MITIPOLARACHCHI (BROADBEACH ROBINA)

Generally coming in at No.5, Mitipolarachchi has made handy contributions en route to 186 runs at 23, to go with 14 wickets at 26.

Broadbeach Robina batsman Dhanushka Mitipolarachchi. Picture: Glenn Hampson

DYLAN MCLAUGHLIN (MUDGEERABA NERANG)

While he has managed just 87 runs at 10, McLaughlin’s sharp work behind the stumps, where he has claimed 12 catches and made two stumpings, has been crucial for the Bushmen’s young squad.

Mudgeeraba Nerang’s Dylan McLaughlin (centre) with Coomera’s Ryan Soars and Broadbeach’s Liam Denniston. Picture: Brett Amos

DARREN COLLIS (COOMERA HOPE ISLAND)

While Phil Tunnicliffe, Josh Henderson and Reuben Van Rijn have dominated with the ball for the Crocs, Collis’ nine wickets at 19 have been vital partnership breakers.

Coomera Hope Island’s Darren Collis. Picture: Mike Batterham

DEVON HAMLEY (SOUTHPORT LABRADOR)

In a bowling attack headlined by Wade Kilborn and Paul Johnston, Hamley’s nine wickets at 18 have proved invaluable for the Tigers.

Southport Labrador’s Devon Hamley. Picture: Steve Holland

TRAVIS HARKER (RUNAWAY BAY)

Having started the season in second grade, Harker has made the most of his nine top-grade appearances with 13 scalps at 18, including a haul of 5-24 against Palm Beach Currumbin.

Runaway Bay’s Travis Harker.

WILL HUDGSON (ALBERTON ORMEAU)

Hudgson’s ability to provide support for the frontline attack has been a key part of the Hurriances’ finals charge, picking up nine wickets at 15.

Alberton Ormeau paceman Will Hudgson. Picture: Jessy Hart