Gold Coast Dolphins keen to send statement to rivals despite exiting finals race with Sunny Coast loss

THE Gold Coast Dolphins will be out to make a statement to the heavyweights of Queensland Premier Cricket in the final two rounds after conceding defeat in their quest for an unlikely finals appearance.

THE Gold Coast Dolphins will be out to make a statement to the heavyweights of Queensland Premier Cricket in the final two rounds after conceding defeat in their quest for an unlikely finals appearance.

Despite having one of the youngest squads in the first grade competition, the Dolphins were well and truly in the top-four mix before Saturday’s two-wicket loss away to Sunshine Coast.

Defending 248, the visitors looked in full control when the Scorchers slumped to 5-88 and then 8-181, but Angus Lovell’s unbeaten 100 and some stubborn lower-order resistance would send the southerners home empty-handed.

DROPPED CATCHES HURT DOLPHINS WOMEN

Sitting ninth, the Dolphins, who were led by Liam Hope-Shackley’s fine all-round performance of 63 and 4-42, now have an opportunity to improve on finishes of 11th (2017-18) and ninth (2016-17) in their last outings against Norths (away) and Redlands (home).

Dolphins all-rounder Liam Hope-Shackley starred against Sunshine Coast. Picture Mike Batterham

“There’s still a lot to play for. We want to stand up to these bigger clubs and show we’re not going to be walked over,” batsman Jack Hargreaves said.

“We can play for a bit of pride and show a bit of ticker. It’s definitely not going to be reckless cricket.

BATTLERS NOT OUT TO SPOIL FINALS PARTY

“Norths are pretty strong and then we’ve got Redlands in the last game who are a strong side as well. For us there’s still guys who will want to perform and have a look at higher honours (with Queensland) and other guys in second grade wanting to force their way up.”

In and out of first grade since making his debut in 2014-15, Hargreaves has been a major success story this season with 430 runs at 28.67.

Dolphins batsman Jack Hargreaves.

The 25-year-old said his ascension was part of a wider progression for the batting group.

“It’s been a positive season I think. Since I’ve been at the club we’ve always had a strong bowling attack and not been able to score enough runs.

LEADERS HAPPY TO WATCH FINALS FIGHT

“This season, I think we’ve turned a leaf. We probably haven’t got the hundreds to play finals cricket but the younger guys are standing up.

“We definitely haven’t been push overs. It’s good signs for next year hopefully. Anything can happen.”

FIRST GRADE LADDER

Wests 82

University of Queensland 82

Norths 70

Valleys 68

Redlands 51

Toombul 51

Sandgate-Redcliffe 51

Wynnum Manly 46

Gold Coast 40

Sunshine Coast 39

Ipswich-Logan

Souths 15