Phil Tunnicliffe stars as Coomera Hope Island extend first grade winning streak against Surfers

PHIL Tunnicliffe’s stunning early-season form continued as Kookaburra Cup surprise packets Coomera Hope Island sounded another warning to their title rivals on Saturday.

PHIL Tunnicliffe’s stunning early-season form continued as Kookaburra Cup surprise packets Coomera Hope Island sounded another warning to their title rivals on Saturday.

After finishing second from bottom in 2017-18, the Crocs have strung together three wins to open the new season, highlighted by the weekend’s 129-run thumping of Surfers Paradise at David Johnston Oval.

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Key to their revival has been New Zealand all-rounder Tunnicliffe, who has rejoined to the club after missing the second half of last season to return home.

Coming off scores of 75 and 90, he smashed 113 off 107 balls to steer his side to 6-236, before taking the first three Surfers wickets en route to figures of 3-17.

Coomera Hope Island’s Phil Tunnicliffe en route to 113 against Surfers Paradise on Saturday. Picture: Mike Batterham

Legspinners Reuben Van Rijn (4-24) and Ben Thoms (3-18) then combined to skittle the Demons for 107 inside 31 overs, delivering a double bonus point for the competition leaders.

However, with Gold Coast Thunder duties to keep Tunnicliffe and Ryan Soars out of this Saturday’s home clash with Runaway Bay, captain James Martin said the rest of the side would need to maintain the rage.

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“That will be a big test for us to see where we really are,” Martin said.

“Tunny has performed every game and we’ve had guys around him perform as well. We do have a lot of belief in our line up, there’s a bit of depth there.

“We’ve had a big culture change with the new coach (Josh Henderson) and new committee and everyone’s really buying in. Everything we try is coming off at the moment.”

Surfers Paradise’s Michael Waldren. Picture: Mike Batterham

The only bright spot for Surfers was the performance of fast bowler Michael Waldren, who took 3-50 before topscoring with 21 not out.

Coomera are joined at the top of the table by defending premiers Burleigh, who also remain undefeated following a seven-wicket win away to Broadbeach Robina.

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Southport Labrador’s unbeaten run came to an end with a five-wicket loss to Palm Beach Currumbin, while Shane Connors took 5-20 to lead Alberton Ormeau to a five-wicket win over Mudgeeraba Nerang.

Queens beat Helensvale Pacific Pines by 43 runs in a battle between two winless teams.

SCOREBOARD

■ Coomera Hope Island 6-236 def. Surfers Paradise 107

■ Southport Labrador 180 def. by Palm Beach Currumbin 5-182

■ Mudgeeraba Nerang 138 def. by Alberton Ormeau 5-140

■ Broadbeach Robina 8-153 def. by Burleigh 3-154

■ Queens 4-232 def. Helensvale Pacific Pines 8-189