The Bulletin looks at five things we learned from another weekend of Gold Coast cricket

THE Bulletin looks at five things we learned from another weekend of Gold Coast cricket.

THE Bulletin looks at five things we learned from another weekend of Gold Coast cricket.

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HORSES FOR COURSES WORKING FOR DOLPHINS

Having successfully used captain Matt Kuhnemann as an opening nightwatchman in their upset of University of Queensland, the Gold Coast Dolphins employed the same tactic – this time with Xavier Bartlett – against Sunshine Coast on Saturday.

No mug with the bat, Bartlett survived a four-over spell to reach 8 not out and could yet prove to be a thorn in the Scorchers’ side as the Dolphins pursue their day-one total of 255.

Dolphins quick Xavier Bartlett in action for Queensland. Picture: AAP Image/Albert Perez

BURLEIGH’S CUP COVER IN DANGER AFTER BACK-TO-BACK WINS

MUDGEERABA REVIVAL ON TRACK

It has taken less than two months for Mudgeeraba Nerang’s off-season recruitment drive to pay dividends after they claimed the Kookaburra Cup Twenty20 title yesterday.

With new arrivals Kevin Chapman, Josh Nelson, Howard Biddle and Mitch Daly leading the way, the Bushmen now loom as a serious threat for the major crown come March next year.

Mudgeeraba Nerang celebrate the wicket of Southport Labrador’s Mike Alexander in Sunday’s T20 final. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

COAST PAIR CRUCIAL TO HEAT TITLE DEFENCE

Having gone wicketless in Brisbane’s nine-wicket thumping from Perth on Saturday, Dolphins duo Delissa Kimmince and Sammy-Jo Johnson bounced back to play a key role in the Heat’s five-wicket defeat of Hobart a day later.

Johnson (2-16) and Kimmince (1-33) were both instrumental as the Heat made it two wins from four to begin their WBBL title defence.

Delissa Kimmince bowls against Hobart at Allan Border Field yesterday. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

THUNDER REVEAL SIDE FOR SCHAEFFER SHIELD FIXTURES

STORM BREWING FOR HURRICANES

Minor premiers and grand finalists last season, Alberton Ormeau need to find Kookaburra Cup form – and fast.

After winning their first two Twenty20s, the Hurricanes lost their next two and have now fallen to Surfers Paradise and Burleigh in their opening fixtures of the season proper.

Alberton Ormeau quick Nick Yule takes a wicket against Burleigh on Saturday. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

BURDON CLOSING IN ON HIGHER HONOURS

A state under-19 representative last season, Dolphins all-rounder Hugo Burdon continues to draw the attention of Queensland Cricket after again being chosen in the squad for December’s National Under-19 Championships in Perth.

Joined by clubmate Jack Cooper in the Queensland side, the 17-year-old has 183 runs at 36.60 and 11 wickets at 17.45 for the Dolphins in Queensland Premier Cricket this season.

Dolphins young gun Hugo Burdon. Picture: Steve Holland

HAWKS’ REVIVAL MISSION A FAMILY AFFAIR