Wests beat Gold Coast Dolphins by 63 runs at Robina despite fighting Max Bryant century

A FIGHTING Max Bryant century could not keep the Gold Coast Dolphins’ unbeaten two-day record intact as Wests emerged triumphant from their Premier Cricket clash at Robina.

A FIGHTING Max Bryant century and four wickets from Matt Kuhnemann could not keep the Gold Coast Dolphins’ unbeaten two-day record intact as Wests emerged triumphant from their Queensland Premier Cricket clash at Robina on Sunday.

Looking to make it four games without defeat in the longest form, the Dolphins put up a brave fight in response to Wests’ 8-384 declared before succumbing for 321 in the 82nd over.

Pushing for a Queensland Sheffield Shield spot, opening batsman Bryant (156 off 185 balls) smashed his third first grade ton but his departure all but ended the Dolphins’ victory hopes with the score at 6-285.

HUNGRY CROCS CONTINUE CHARGE

Dolphins batsman Max Bryant. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

Wicketkeeper Lewin Maladay also fought hard to make 60 before being dismissed to spark a loss of 3-2 to end the game.

Fresh off a Queensland debut of his own at the JLT One-Day Cup in September, left-arm spinner Kuhnemann was the Dolphins’ best with the ball on Saturday, claiming with 4-138 from a mammoth 38 overs.

HAWKS DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM 2017-18 HEROICS

Sam Truloff starred with the bat for Wests with 167, combining with Pat Collins (74) for a 164-run opening stand before Josh Kann (2-52) and Bryant (2-69) worked to limit the damage for the hosts.

Dolphins wicketkeeper Lewin Maladay. Picture: Mike Batterham

The Dolphins will again play Saturday-Sunday this weekend when they travel to Sandgate-Redcliffe.

In the women’s Katherine Raymont Shield on Sunday, the Dolphins picked up their first win since October 7 after chasing down Ipswich-Logan’s 192 with four wickets and six overs to spare at Amberley.

It was their third win in seven games this season and ensured they remained inside the top four ahead of this Sunday’s trip to Valleys.