Surfers Paradise boosted by former Sri Lankan first class star Gihan Perera in Kookaburra Cup charge
THEY are the surprise packets of the Kookaburra Cup’s early rounds and Surfers Paradise’s quest for first grade redemption has been given another boost with the addition of a former first-class star.
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THEY are the surprise packets of the Kookaburra Cup’s early rounds and Surfers Paradise’s quest for first grade redemption has been given another boost with the addition of a former first-class star.
A 51-game veteran on the Sri Lankan domestic scene between 2000-11, offpsinning all-rounder Gihan Perera is looming as the Demons’ x-factor as they fight back from a horror 2018-19 campaign that ended with a wooden spoon.
The 38-year-old has wasted no time making his mark at the club, hitting a four off the last ball of the game to guide Surfers to a six-wicket victory over Runaway Bay on debut last weekend.
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The late heroics were part of an impressive, unbeaten knock of 59 and helped his side record its second win in three Kookaburra Cup outings this season.
Perera also spent four seasons in England and eight in Melbourne before moving to the Gold Coast a year ago, and now hopes to pass on his experience to the young Demons squad.
“Surfers have a few good kids. There’s two or three under 15 and 16 and the captain, Claye Beams, is a good player,” said Perera, who has reunited with Surfers batsman Mahesh Rajaratne after playing together in Sri Lanka more than 15 years ago.
“I’m always trying to do something with them (the younger players). I have experience in first class cricket in Sri Lanka and in England.
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“I am really enjoying it at the moment. I think (we can play finals) because we’ve only had two or three games so hopefully after Christmas we can beat every side.
“There’s still a few guys looking for from so I hope they will be OK the next couple of games. The under-15, 16s are good players.”
Perera, who scored five hundreds and averaged more than 30 across his first class career, and his new teammates will look to continue their strong start when they travel to Helensvale Pacific Pines today.
The Hawks have also shown major signs of improvement so far, winning two of their first three before bouncing back from a loss to Mudgeeraba Nerang with victory over Alberton Ormeau last weekend.
Minor premiers and grand finalists last season, the Hurricanes are joined by Queens and Runaway Bay as the only winless teams.
Premiers Broadbeach Robina sit top of the table.
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ROUND 5 FIXTURES
■ Palm Beach Currumbin vs. Burleigh at Salk Oval
■ Alberton Ormeau vs. Coomera Hope Island at Trevor Hammel Field
■ Helensvale Pacific Pines vs. Surfers Paradise at Hession Oval
■ Runaway Bay vs. Mudgeeraba Nerang at Sam Loxton Oval
■ Southport Labrador vs. Broadbeach Robina at GUGC Oval
Bye: Queens
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