Leaders Burleigh approaching Mudgeeraba clash with caution as rivals jostle for finals spots

BURLEIGH are approaching today’s Mudgeeraba Nerang encounter with caution as they watch their Kookaburra Cup rivals clamour for finals spots.

BURLEIGH are approaching today’s Mudgeeraba Nerang encounter with caution as they watch their Kookaburra Cup rivals clamour for finals spots.

First grade frontrunners since Round 2, the Bullsharks have been largely untroubled in their title defence, losing just twice in 13 games.

Their shock defeat to Surfers Paradise on January 19 has been followed by wins over Southport Labrador and Broadbeach Robina, before putting their feet up with a bye last Sunday.

The top-four race has intensified significantly during that period, with Alberton Ormeau, Broadbeach and Queens now in the playoff positions following a period of musical chairs.

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However, with Palm Beach Currumbin, Mudgeeraba, Coomera Hope Island and Southport not far adrift, Burleigh captain TJ Miller said it was nice to be clear of the finals logjam.

“One hundred per cent. It’s not lucky to be up there but we have got the luxury where the work we did early in the season with bonus points and things like that, means we’re in the position where we can sit back and watch how everyone else goes,” Miller, who will be kept out of bowling duties against Mudgeeraba with a side strain, said.

Burleigh's Rhys McCarthy. Picture: Jason O'Brien

“We’re mathematically in the finals already and I think if we win one of our last three games we will be in the top two. Obviously we’ve got to keep watching what we’re doing but it’s a good position to be in.

“I was very happy (with the Broadbeach game). It was probably our most complete performance of the year. The deck was playing a few tricks and they bowled really well so to get 240 was really good. A 100-run win over third is always handy.

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“You look at (Mudgeeraba’s) results and they lose to bottom or second-bottom but beat second and third. We have got a good batting unit back – we’re still missing a few bowlers – but on home turf they’re not going to be easy to beat.

“They rely on a couple of blokes with the bat in Dayne Siede and Cam Garnham. It’s definitely a bit of a danger game for us.”

The Bullsharks will be without Miller’s fast bowling partner Freddie Hulbert and legspinner Daley Miller, but welcome back Lachlan O’Keefe and Nathan Janes.

Miller said it was hard to identify they key to his side’s dominance this season, pointing out a number of factors had played a role.

“I think last year gave a lot of blokes belief that we are the best team in the comp. Early in the season there was a bit of a chat we were only good in one-dayers so that spurred us on a bit.

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“I’d rate Rhys McCarthy as the best bat in the competition. Freddie and myself have gelled well as a bowling pair so it’s been good to get some wickets early upfront.

“Obviously Simon Belston coached us last year and we won the premiership but Rhys has brought a fresh approach and he’s done a really good job.”

In other two-day fixtures starting today, Queens host Alberton Ormeau; Helensvale meet Broadbeach at Hession Oval; Coomera travel to Runaway Bay; and Surfers Paradise host Southport.

KOOKABURRA CUP LADDER

1. Burleigh 80

2. Alberton Ormeau 65

3. Broadbeach Robina 51

4. Queens 50

5. Palm Beach Currumbin 47

6. Mudgeeraba Nerang 45

7. Coomera Hope Island 42

8. Southport Labrador 40

9. Helensvale Pacific Pines 37

10. Runaway Bay 34

11. Surfers Paradise 31