Runaway Bay opener Rhys Howarth’s career-best 131 perfect response to critics

Rhys Howarth has let his bat do the talking by sculpting a career-best innings to return Runaway Bay to the Kookaburra Cup winners’ circle.

RHYS Howarth has let his bat do the talking by sculpting a career-best innings to return Runaway Bay to the Kookaburra Cup winners’ circle.

The wicketkeeper-batsman came under heavy fire from rivals following a Bulletin article earlier this month but on Saturday responded in the best possible fashion, making an unbeaten 131 from 121 balls to spearhead Bay’s 3-203.

The total proved too much for opponents Palm Beach Currumbin, who were bowled out for 153 in reply despite Zane Beattie’s 68.

Rhys Howarth (third from left) and his Runaway Bay teammates celebrate after Stuart Frost bowls Palm Beach Currumbin opener Jack Vare Kevere. Picture: John Gass

Bay veteran Travis Harker was the chief destroyer, taking 5-24 with his left-arm spinners, but Howarth was the story of the day.

The 28-year-old was “very happy” to find form, having scored 35 runs from four previous innings in the competition.

“It was just good to get some runs on the board – it has been pretty dry since the start of the year,” he said.

“I finally felt good out in the middle and it just happened to come off.”

As for responding to his critics, Howarth was diplomatic.

Rhys Howarth. Picture: Jerad Williams

“Yeah, no comment on that one. I’ll just let the runs do the talking,” he said.

Over at Greg Chaplin Oval, Broadbeach Robina capitalised on a 120-run opening stand by Steve Baker (93 not out) and Ben O’Connell (58) to post 2-241 and set up an 88-run win over Queens.

Cats skipper Felix Organ, who also made a quickfire 75, credited their openers and feels the side are finding their feet.

“We have found a formula for how we want to play with our batting … we’ll try to keep it going,” he said.

Steve Baker. Picture: Jerad Williams

The 19-year-old and fellow recruit Tom Scriven have come out from England – where they are part of the Hampshire county system – for the summer, with Organ enjoying taking the reins.

“It’s a challenge captaining players that you haven’t seen that much of but I love captaining,” Organ said.

“I have captained almost every team I have played in since I was eight years old. I guess I like the pressure and I like being a leader.”

In other games, Burleigh just hung on to beat Alberton Ormeau by 12 runs to maintain their unbeaten record; Nic Peterson (103) and Matt Morris (78) underpinned another Southport Labrador win, this time against Coomera Hope Island; and Mudgeeraba Nerang successfully chased down Helensvale Pacific Pines’ 9-187.