Shane Connors credited for training improvements that have seen Alberton Ormeau fire again

THE presence of a veteran all-rounder has been largely credited for Alberton Ormeau’s resurgence that has the newly rebranded Hurricanes targeting finals cricket.

THE presence of veteran all-rounder Shane Connors has been largely credited for Alberton Ormeau’s resurgence that has the newly rebranded Hurricanes targeting finals cricket.

Previously known as the Force before an off-season merger, Alberton endured a horror 2017-18 in which they limped to the wooden spoon.

But a return to the top four is already in sight this summer following an impressive four-from-four campaign in the standalone Twenty20 tournament in September.

The Hurricanes will get their first chance for competition points on Saturday in a one-dayer against Runaway Bay, having had their round one match washed out and dealt the bye last weekend. Their T20 final against Southport Labrador was also postponed due to weather.

Southport Labrador's Simon Belston and Alberton Ormeau's Corey Galloway with the T20 trophy that they will play for at a revised date. Picture: Glenn Hampson

It is a situation that has led to the majority of their list – outside of Bulls Masters representatives Connors, Josh Kelly and Matthew Yiend – not batting in a match since September 22.

Alberton captain Corey Galloway however is confident they can carry their early form forward, having seen a drastic lift in their training results brought by Connors’ coaching.

Connors has returned from a year off to act as player-coach, a role that was left vacant last season. The prolific all-rounder amassed 3669 runs and 128 wickets for the club in the decade ending 2016-17.

“He is pretty experienced so he has brought that coaching ability which has helped a lot at training,” said Galloway, 27.

Corey Galloway in full flight. Picture: David Clark

“(Our T20 form) gives us a lot of confidence. I think it has more come from the way we have trained, like everyone has been more on-board.

“Last year was a bit of a rebuilding year for us.

“There were probably only three of us that were proper first graders and a lot of second graders came up and got their first grade experience and now they are better for it – and we have got a few experienced players back like Shane and Yiendy.

“Our goal is definitely to make finals this year.”

Now led by Lydon Gibbons, Runaway Bay have started the summer with a win over Mudgeeraba Nerang and a loss to Burleigh.

Lydon Gibbons is fourth from left. Picture: Brett Amos

ROUND 3 FIXTURES

All one-day games starting Saturday 12.15pm

Coomera Hope Island v Mudgeeraba Nerang at Oxenford Oval

Southport Labrador v Helensvale Pacific Pines at Morrie Glasman Oval

Runaway Bay v Alberton Ormeau at Sam Loxton Oval

Burleigh v Surfers Paradise at John Handley Oval

Palm Beach Currumbin v Queens at Salk Oval