Gold Coast Dolphins could continue with batting order change after upset win over University of Queensland

The Gold Coast Dolphins could be poised to continue with a batting order shake up that delivered the Queensland Premier Cricket team an upset win over reigning Cam Battersby Cup champions University of Queensland.

THE Gold Coast Dolphins could be poised to continue with a batting order shake up that delivered the Queensland Premier Cricket team an upset win over reigning Cam Battersby Cup champions University of Queensland.

Gold Coast successfully chased down UQ’s first-day total of 249, recording 7/268 on day two on Saturday at Wep Harris Oval to win.

The victory was built off a strong performance from the Dolphins top-order, with captain Matt Kuhnemann helping to set up the win after taking on the responsibility of seeing off the last four overs of day one that had the team going into day two 0-10.

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Kuhnemann was patient at the crease, scoring 42 runs off 147 balls while being well supported by Jack Hargreaves (48), Max Bryant (71) and Hugo Burdon (54).

Dolphins coach Chris Swan said he was tempted to keep usual opener Bryant at number three following the success of the move.

“Matt stepped up as skipper and said he was happy to go in the last four overs (of day one) when it’s always tough to bat,” Swan said.

Queensland Premier Cricket with the Gold Coast Dolphins vs Ipswich-Logan at Bill Pippen Oval, Robina. Dolphin's Matt Kuhnemann batting. (Photo/Steve Holland)

“Max Bryant didn’t say he wasn’t batting, ww just made an executive decision and said Kuhne you’re in.

“Max enjoyed his time batting at three and mentioned that so it might be a formula for us moving forward, you never know.

“It’s all about symmetry at the top of the order.

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“We haven’t had the best of starts this season so for those blokes to put on a good score, it means all the world for the middle order to come in with some runs on the board.”

Swan said the fact the group did it against the reigning premiers, who boast talented fast bowler Scott Walter, made the win even better.

“It was an outstanding run chase,” Swan said.

“They were pretty difficult conditions and very bowler friendly, very similar to day one.

“It was overcast, the ball was swinging all day on a hard, green pitch. It was nice conditions for one of the competition’s best bowlers in Scott Walter.

“To hold him wicketless for 16 overs was a tremendous job by the boys.”

Gold Coast will return to Bill Pippen Oval this week to start it’s Round 6 clash with Sunshine Coast.

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