Phil Tunnicliffe on track to beat Andrew Robinson’s runs record, TJ Miller suffers side strain

Andrew Robinson’s Kookaburra Cup runs record is in grave danger after Coomera Hope Island all-rounder Phil Tunnicliffe blitzed his second ton of the summer, while a premiership contender suffered an injury setback elsewhere.

ANDREW Robinson’s Kookaburra Cup runs record is in grave danger after Coomera Hope Island all-rounder Phil Tunnicliffe blitzed his second ton of the summer.

The 32-year-old from Wellington smashed 111 off 114 balls to help the Crocs post 280 on day one of their match against Surfers Paradise on Saturday at Choice Homes Oval.

Having combined with teen Aiden Winslow for a 63-run opening partnership, Tunnicliffe and Justin Doherty (43) then took the score to 167 before the centurion was dismissed by Sam Willis (3-30).

Tunnicliffe now has 653 runs for the season at an average of 54.42, with two hundreds and four fifties. He has also taken 20 wickets at 13.40 to firm up his chances of winning the Sam Loxton Medal.

Phil Tunnicliffe is having a stellar season. Picture: Jason O'Brien

Former Coomera batsman Robinson holds the record for the most runs in a single Kookaburra Cup season since the introduction of MyCricket online scores in 2006-07; Robinson plundered 803 at 50.19 two summers ago.

Tunnicliffe still has three more two-day matches and a one-dayer to pass that milestone in the regular season – and he admits it is well and truly in his sights.

“I’ve got my eyes set on that,” he said.

“I suppose when you’re playing in any comp you want to do your best and you want to be the best.”

He may get even more opportunities if Coomera can emerge from a mid-table logjam to qualify for finals.

Tunnicliffe played part of last season after being invited to join the club by ex-Croc Richy Faust and hopes to become a long-term figure there.

TJ Miller (centre) has suffered a side strain. Picture: Glenn Hampson

In other news, Burleigh (236) enjoyed a positive day against Broadbeach Robina (2-41) other than an injury setback. Bullsharks skipper and opening bowler TJ Miller sustained a side strain late in the day and told the Bulletin he is “looking likely to be a few weeks on the sidelines”.

A superb spell of 5-73 from 28.3 overs by Helensvale Pacific Pines young gun Harry Lickiss helped keep Queens to 192; the honours were also shared between Palm Beach Currumbin (204, Jainam Patel 91) and Southport Labrador (3-67); while Alberton Ormeau (2-148) will be hunting an outright next Saturday against Mudgeeraba Nerang (148).

Harry Lickiss (right) with senior Hawks paceman with Ryan Maloney. Picture: Jodie Henderson

PREVIOUS LEADING RUN SCORERS

2017-18: Rhys McCarthy 704 at 35.20*

2016-17: Andrew Robinson 803 at 50.19

2015-16: Nic Peterson 682 at 45.47*

2014-15: Jainam Patel 471 at 34.36

2013-14: Shane Connors 704 at 54.15*

2012-13: Sean Fitzsimmons 461 at 57.63*

2011-12: Nathan Stains 497 at 31.06*

2010-11: Chris Wicks 418 at 38

2009-10: Craig Mitchell 499 at 55.44

2008-09: Bo Vievers 549 at 54.9

2007-08: Derek Tate 653 at 130.6*

2006-07: Craig Mitchell 654 at 50.31

*Denotes tally includes finals matches