Helensvale Pacific Pines have kicked off their Kookaburra Cup campaign with an impressive bowling performance

They finished eighth last season, but a blistering bowling innings from Helensvale Pacific Pines in day on of the Kookaburra Cup has the Hawks confident they can push back towards finals in 2019/20.

THEY finished eighth last season, but a blistering bowling innings from Helensvale Pacific Pines in day on of the Kookaburra Cup has the Hawks confident they can push back towards finals in 2019/20.

DOLPHINS READY FOR T20 FINAL REMATCH

Helensvale restricted the Crocs to just 81 runs on Saturday at Hession Oval before clinically chasing down the total during the day’s remaining play to find themselves well placed at 3/87 ahead of next day two next weekend.

The Helensvale Pacific Pines first grade side ahead of their round one Kookaburra cup match. Picture supplied.

Hawks captain Jack Lickiss said that Helensvale remained realistic about their season chances despite recording one of their better starts to the year in recent memory.

BULLETIN’S 2019-20 KOOKABURRA CUP GUIDE

“For the first round of the year, it couldn’t have gone a lot better for us,” he said.

“Our goal like every year is to win the competition but we’ve also seen how well other teams have recruited and we’re not expecting anything to be handed to us.

“We’re only one week into the year and it’s a long season but there’s definitely positive signs.

“We’re not getting carried away.”

AMAZING OFFER: GET A SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB A 8.0 WITH THIS BULLETIN SUBSCRIPTION (T&Cs apply)

Lickiss praised the ability of his bowling attack who at one stage had the visitors at 2/5.

“Our bowlers were clinical on a wicket that wasn’t doing a whole lot,” he said.

“To restrict a good side to a subpar total was a good start.

“They didn’t bat with a lot of intent and struggled throughout the innings which I think is a reflection on how well we bowled.”

Jamie Saunders top-scored with the bat, finishing the day on an unbeaten 35 as the Hawks look to build on their six-run lead next week.

“We went out there thinking positively and wanting to knock the total over that night,” Lickiss said.

“There was a tricky little period where the ball was moving around a bit there but Jamie Saunders saw it out well.”

Sri Lankan duo Chandima Bulathga and Ruvith Dompayalage both debuted for Helensvale, the former conceding only four runs from nine overs, six of which were maidens.

Sri Lankan power duo Chandima Bulathga and Ruvith Dompayalage made their first grade debut for the Hawks. Picture supplied.

“They both add something we’ve been lacking so they’re big inclusions for us,” Lickiss said.

Live stream the India v South Africa Test Series with KAYO SPORTS on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14-day free trial >

In other Kookaburra Cup action, Queens finished on 5/41 after Southport Labrador’s set a first-innings total of 134 while Surfers Paradise posted 305 in their first innings.