Helensvale Pacific Pines’ Jamie Saunders involved in car crash before battle with Palm Beach Currumbin

A SATURDAY morning car crash has underlined Helensvale Pacific Pines’ growing Kookaburra Cup resilience as their promising early-season run undergoes another probing examination from Palm Beach Currumbin.

A SATURDAY morning car crash has underlined Helensvale Pacific Pines’ growing Kookaburra Cup resilience as their promising early-season run undergoes another probing examination from Palm Beach Currumbin.

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With new-ball pairing Harry Lickiss (4-60) and Alex Hayes (4-61) firing in unison, the third-placed Hawks dismissed Palm Beach for 201 on Saturday before hitting early trouble in reply to finish 2-28 at stumps.

They had at one stage reduced the Lions to 4-48, despite fielding with 10 men for much of the first session after opening batsman Jamie Saunders was involved in a car accident en route to Salk Oval.

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While Zak Lopez (68) and Zane Beattie (47) launched a middle-order rescue mission for the hosts, Lickiss is confident a fifth win of the season is within reach for his side, who will welcome back key batsman Kaleb Day on day two.

“We were pretty happy. It was a pretty good wicket so we were happy to get them out for 200,” the 18-year-old said.

Helensvale Pacific Pines fast bowler Harry Lickiss, 18. Picture: Jerad Williams

“Jamie Saunders had a car crash on the way (to the game) so we did pretty well to restrict them. The deck flattened out a little bit during the day.

“I feel like (202) is gettable. We have Kaleb back next week so hoping that steadies our batting a little bit.”

Described earlier this season by captain and older brother Jack as the leader of the Hawks’ attack, Lickiss is revelling in his new role, taking 16 wickets at an average of 14.94.

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He has been a key figure in the revival of Helensvale, who finished eighth last season after reaching the 2017-18 grand final.

“I’m not surprised (we’re going OK). Everyone has just done their job and is working really hard at training,” said Lickiss, who collected 16 wickets at 23.63 and 391 runs at 26.07 last season.

“I’ve been pretty happy with how I’ve gone. I’ve been working hard over the off-season and I’ve been bowling and batting pretty well at training.

“I’m more comfortable (with my role) than what I was last year.”

Brent Anderson (1-7) and Ryan Kettle (1-13) both claimed late wickets for Palm Beach on Saturday, leaving Jack Lickiss (4 not out) and Ruvith Dompayalage (5 not out) to resume the run chase on day two.

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Surfers Paradise opener Nathan Reardon was the standout performer on Saturday, smashing 163 as the Demons took control of their battle with Burleigh.

KOOKABURRA CUP ROUND 8 – DAY ONE

■ Palm Beach Currumbin 201 vs. Helensvale Pacific Pines 2-28

■ Runaway Bay 126 vs. Broadbeach Robina 1-70

■ Coomera Hope Island 76, 2-46 vs. Queens 124

■ Mudgeeraba Nerang 172 vs. Southport Labrador 1-27

■ Surfers Paradise 7-334 declared vs. Burleigh 0-29