Shane Davis says Broadbeach Robina Cats to lift intensity as Kookaburra Cup finals move closer

Broadbeach Robina coach Shane Davis says his team are ready to step up the intensity as they strive to break their Kookaburra Cup finals curse.

BROADBEACH Robina coach Shane Davis says his team are ready to step up the intensity as they strive to break their Kookaburra Cup finals curse.

The Cats have made the play-offs for the past seven seasons but have not won a sudden death match since the 2012-13 decider.

If Davis’ squad can defend their day one score of 9-297 against Coomera Hope Island on Saturday, they will be all but assured an eighth straight semi-finals berth.

He revealed their hoodoo of recent years has been on the agenda internally.

“Absolutely it’s something we speak about,” Davis said.

Danny Mitipolarachchi made 72 against Coomera Hope Island. Picture: Steve Holland

“We have a win this week and then we are in the finals and then we start focusing on finals cricket. It’s been a tough year; not once have we felt as though we’re guaranteed, it’s been so tight.

“Our conversation (on Saturday) was around the season starts now: We win this game and then we are in the finals and that is what we play cricket for.

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“We will lift the intensity and all that we need to lift to try to get that monkey off our back and win a semi.”

Davis feels the Cats are hitting their straps at the right time of the season.

Ryan Armstrong looks to unfurl a cut shot. Picture: Steve Holland

“We always felt that our strength was the two-day stuff and (opening batsmen) Ben O’Connell and Steve Baker, they have got to come into the side yet,” he said.

O’Connell is due back for the club’s last round match against Queens, while Baker is set to be on deck in finals.

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CATS’ RECENT RECORD

2018-19: Currently third, midway through penultimate round

2017-18: Lost semi-final to Helensvale Pacific Pines

2016-17: Semi-final washed out (Surfers Paradise progressed as higher-ranked team)

2015-16: Lost semi-final to Southport Labrador

2014-15: Lost semi-final to Queens

2013-14: Lost semi-final to Mudgeeraba Nerang

2012-13: Won premiership

2011-12: Won premiership

2010-11: Last time team missed semis