Helensvale Pacific Pines not pushing the panic button as they chase first Kookaburra Cup win

HELENSVALE Pacific Pines are drawing inspiration from their 2017-18 Kookaburra Cup heroics as they prepare for today’s crucial showdown with fellow winless side Queens.

HELENSVALE Pacific Pines are drawing inspiration from their 2017-18 Kookaburra Cup heroics as they prepare for today’s crucial showdown with fellow winless side Queens.

Surprise first grade grand finalists last season, the Hawks will head to Greg Chaplin Oval still chasing their first victory after narrowly falling to pre-season favourites Southport Labrador last weekend.

Chasing 200 for victory, they appeared on track at 2-97 but a steady fall of wickets in the middle of their innings consigned them to an 11-run defeat.

COAST STAR BOLTS INTO AUSTRALIAN SQUAD

However, having failed to register a win in their opening three games last season, captain Dylan Sherriff said he was not reaching for the panic button just yet.

“(It’s) not the ideal start to the season but I feel like we’re building to something big. As a club, we know where we’re at,” the 24-year-old offspinner said.

Helensvale Pacific Pines captain Dylan Sherriff. Picture: Mike Batterham

“It’s a similar start to last season where we lost our first two (and had a washout) and then had a big win so hopefully (today) is the start of a roll this season. We’re happy with the players we’ve got and we still believe we’re good enough to play that standard of cricket again.

“(Last week) was the cricket that we want to play as a team and as a club and we can take that into this week.

HISTORIC MOVE FOR COAST CLUBS

“That was good for us as a group. We know they’re a good batting side and we were happy to restrict them to 199.

“We started our chase well, it was just the back end that let us down and losing some key wickets through the middle. We have got a few guys out but we’re hoping to get them back in the next month.”

Among the absentees today will be pace spearhead Ryan Maloney and regular captain Jack Lickiss, who is nearing a return after breaking his ankle during the off-season.

However, they will be boosted by the inclusion of Shaun Snyder, who has joined the club after a stint with the Gold Coast Dolphins.

UNITED MOVE CLOSER TO HOME

Perennial heavyweights Queens will also be chasing their first victory after Cricket Gold Coast this week denied an appeal against their controversial Round 2 loss to Palm Beach Currumbin.

Elsewhere today, ladder-leading Coomera Hope Island will travel to Surfers Paradise, fellow unbeaten side Burleigh will make the trip to Broadbeach Robina and Mudgeeraba Nerang will host Alberton Ormeau.

Southport will chase a third-straight win away to Palm Beach.