The Bulletin discusses five things we learned from the opening weekend of cricket fixtures

WITH the 2019-20 season now underway, the Bulletin discusses five things we learned from the opening weekend of Cricket Gold Coast and Gold Coast Dolphins fixtures.

WITH the 2019-20 season now underway, the Bulletin discusses five things we learned from the opening weekend of Cricket Gold Coast and Gold Coast Dolphins fixtures.

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BUSHMEN ARE THE REAL DEAL

Big off-season recruitment drives don’t always pan out as planned but Mudgeeraba Nerang’s marquee men – notably Kevin Chapman, Josh Nelson and Howard Biddle - all played significant roles as the Bushmen went two from two in the first weekend of Kookaburra Cup Twenty20 fixtures.

HUNTED HURRICANES EMBRACING T20 PRESSURE

Josh Nelson made an immediate impact for Mudgeeraba Nerang on Saturday. Picture: Richard Gosling

DOLPHINS STILL CHASING CONSISTENCY

The gap between the Gold Coast Dolphins’ best and worst is closing but they will be hoping to hasten that process after Wynnum Manly outplayed them in every facet during Saturday’s season-opening one-dayer in Brisbane.

MEET THE DOLPHINS’ 2019-20 SQUAD

New Gold Coast Dolphins captain Matt Kuhnemann has plenty to ponder after Saturday’s loss. Picture: Mike Batterham

NEW TIGER COULD BE SIGNING OF THE SEASON

He was hailed as a crucial addition at Southport Labrador and former South African first class player Michael Alexander didn’t disappoint on debut, taking 4-6 and making 44 in the Tigers’ defeat of Burleigh.

‘HE’LL BE IN THE TOP FIVE RUNSCORERS’ - SEASON PREDICTIONS

Southport Labrador signing Michael Alexander.

ENGLISH RECRUIT SHAPING AS KEY DOLPHIN

Having arrived on the Coast during pre-season, English all-rounder Will Chapples made an immediate impact for the Dolphins’ second grade side on Saturday, making 127 in a winning run chase of 4-259 against Wynnum Manly.

CRICKET’S BIGGEST NAMES AIDING NEW DOLPHINS SKIPPER

Dolphins all-rounder Will Chapples.

ANOTHER LONG SEASON LOOMING FOR THE HAWKS

While they were far from disgraced in their two T20 defeats, Helensvale Pacific Pines could be in for another long season unless some of the rising crop can enjoy breakout campaigns.

NEW FACE AT BAY AS SKIPPER DEPARTS

Helensvale Pacific Pines captain Kaleb Day. Picture: Richard Gosling