Runaway Bay targeting Kookaburra Cup finals after upset win over unbeaten Coomera Hope Island

RUNAWAY Bay batsman Rhys Howarth believes his side’s shock defeat of unbeaten Coomera Hope Island could spark a run to the Kookaburra Cup finals.

RUNAWAY Bay batsman Rhys Howarth believes his side’s shock defeat of unbeaten Coomera Hope Island could spark a run to the Kookaburra Cup finals.

Inconsistency had plagued the Seagulls over the first three rounds, before a crushing six-wicket triumph over the high-flying Crocs last weekend.

With a second win now under their belt, they have a golden opportunity to continue the climb towards the top four away to winless Helensvale Pacific Pines today.

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“It was good to put a full game together (against Coomera). If we keep doing that for the rest of the season we should be up there,” said Howarth, whose side sits sixth ahead of today’s 12.15pm battle.

“We trained hard at the start of the season and everything was going good but we’ve just been dropping off in key patches in games with intensity (and) dropped catches and misfields. Everyone was up and about last week with good intensity in the field and that’s what helped us shade the game.

Runaway Bay batsman Rhys Howarth. Picture: Jerad Williams

“Our batting hasn’t been too bad and the boys bowled well (last weekend) and we backed it up with the bat again.”

With 2017-18 grand finalists Helensvale desperate to open their account, Howarth said the focus had been on maintaining the rage.

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“That’s been a big thing at training this week, not stepping down to their level and keeping that high level. We want to really go out there and stamp our authority on the game.”

ROUND 5 FIXTURES:

■ Helensvale Pacific Pines vs Runaway Bay

■ Burleigh vs Palm Beach Currumbin

■ Southport Labrador vs Alberton Ormeau

■ Broadbeach Robina vs Coomera Hope Island

■ Surfers Paradise vs Queens