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EVERY GOLD COAST CRICKET CLUB’S MOST EXCITING JUNIOR PROSPECT

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ALBERTON ORMEAU

2019-20 finish: 11th

2019-20 record: 2 wins, 11 losses, 3 draws

Key gain: Robert Fitzgerald

Key loss: N/A

Key player: Simon Mills

Summary: The Hurricanes simply must bounce back from a horror 2019-20 campaign. They still possess the talent to make a finals charge but will the pain of last summer continue?

Final word: “I think we’re going to be very competitive this year. I personally think we should make finals, and we’d be disappointed if we don’t. I think we’re the team we were when we made the grand final two years ago, if not better. With the team we’ve got, we should make finals if we play to our ability.”

BURLEIGH

2019-20 finish: 9th

2019-20 record: 4 wins, 9 losses, 3 draws

Key gain: Sam Yabsley

Key loss: Rhys McCarthy, Kyle Smith (Tasmania)

Key player: Lachlan O’Keefe

Summary: One of the big sliders last summer, the Bullsharks should put in an improved performance after exposing their young group to First Grade cricket. Finals might be a stretch.

Final word: “As a club, we’re looking to be competitive and compete week to week. We’re looking for everyone to play to the best of ability. From a whole club point of view, I think we’ve got some better depth than last year and we’ll look to improve on last years finish.” – Connor Reen

BROADBEACH ROBINA

2019-20 finish: 1st, premiers

2019-20 record: 13 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw

Key gain: Nikhil Verma

Key loss: N/A

Key player: Reece McDonald

Summary: The reigning premiers will be out to wreak havoc early considering they were handed the premiership following a dominant season. The Cats should feature in finals but it remains to be seen whether they climb the mountain once more.

COLTS

2019-20 finish: N/A

2019-20 record: N/A

Key gain: Nil

Key loss: Nil

Key player: Adam Rogers

Summary: The newest team on the block picked up one win in the Twenty20 pre-season tournament but it remains to be seen whether they can be competitive.

Last words: “We finished strongly in second grade but we wanted to challenge ourselves. Not to say that we would’ve won again, but we didn’t want to sit in second grade. We wanted to push ourselves and we know it’s going to be tougher than last year but we’re up for the challenge.” Player-coach Gary Boyd.

SOUTHPORT LABRADOR

2019-20 finish: 3rd

2019-20 record: 9 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws

Key gain: Matthew Hague

Key loss: Michael Alexander

Key player: Nic Peterson

Summary: While they’ve lost the chance to welcome back some talented imports, Southport Labrador have recruited well and should remain right in contention.

Last words: “We’re eyeing off a top two spot. We’ve set our KPIs for season and we’re a good enough side to finish in top spot. Our goal is to play finals and once you make that top four, anything can happen. Anything outside of the top four and we’d probably sit back and say it was a failed season.” – Captain Nic Peterson.

FROM COVID FRONTLINE TO CREASE: Dolphin star’s remarkable off-season

PALM BEACH CURRUMBIN

2019-20 finish: 10th

2019-20 record: 4 wins, 9 losses, 2 draws

Key gain: Ben Davis

Key loss: Nil.

Key player: Ryan Kettle

Summary: The Lions had a young squad last summer and needed to add class which they’ve done with a few former Dolphins. Will still probably be a development year.

Last words: “Our pre-season has been amazing and we’ve got a good group of guys together. Our bowling group is working together well to create a good bowling set up so our biggest improvement will come with our bowling and our batting group is also training hard and learning their role within the team.” Player-coach Ryan Kettle.

QUEENS

2019-20 finish: 7th

2019-20 record: 5 wins, 9 losses, 1 draw

Key gain: Harry Winton

Key loss: Finn Bongers (shoulder injury but expected to return)

Key player: Blake Chapman

Summary: Queens showed flashes of brilliance but never really threatened to break into the top four. Strong with both bat and ball, the Centaurs have the talent to finish with more than five wins.

Last words: “I think if we can be consistent, we can challenge for a top four position. We have the bowling firepower to run with the best in the competition and we have got some good up and coming batsman. If they hit their straps and perform, we have a group who can run with best of them.” – Player-coach Michael Durbridge.

MUDGEERABA NERANG

2019-20 finish: 2nd

2019-20 record: 11 wins, 1 loss, 3 draws

Key gain: Talha Abbasi (first-grade debutant)

Key loss: Connor Brown

Key player: Kevin Chapman

Summary: The Bushmen will be raring to go after their premiership ambitions were ruined by an abbreviated season. Only lost one game last summer and look to be a hot contender once more.

Last words: “Like most, we’ve lost a few and picked up a few but the squad is looking much the same and we’ve got a bit more hitting power.” Captain Dylan McLaughlin.

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HELENSVALE PACIFIC PINES

2019-20 finish: 6TH

2019-20 record: 6 wins, 7 losses, 3 draws

Key gain: Shaun Snyder

Key loss: Jamie Saunders

Key player: Harry Lickiss

Summary: The Hawks threatened early last summer but fell away late. Still, they showed signs they could compete with the best in the competition and should take confidence they improve again.

Last words: “We have had a great preseason and a successful T20 competition, but we aren’t done. Our team is building really well with our young core returning with another year of experience, and we expect to compete with the top teams in the competition. - Jack Lickiss

COOMERA HOPE ISLAND

2019-20 finish: 5th

2019-20 record: 7 wins, 7 losses, 2 draws

Key gain: Brad Ipson

Key loss: Daniel Spiers

Key player: James Martin

Summary: If the Crocs can overcome their inconsistency, they should end the summer with more wins than losses. Whether they can push into the top four remains to be seen.

Last words: “We’re hoping to improve on what we achieved last year. We finished 5th last year so if we improve on that, we play finals.” – Player James Martin.

RUNAWAY BAY

2019-20 finish: 8th

2019-20 record: 4 wins, 8 losses, 2 draws

Key gain: Rhys McCarthy

Key loss: Stuart Frost

Key player: Matt Madeley

Summary: The Seagulls showed signs of promise late last summer and will take confidence into their 2020-21 campaign. We’re tipping them to fall just short of the top four but don’t be surprised to see them in contention.

Last words: “We’re optimistic of having good year. Our big aim is to break into the top four. Our team is still bonding as we’ve got a relatively new team together but we’ve put together a really good side. We’re optimistic. There’s a good vibe around the club and we’re pretty confident.” - Coach Chris O’Hehir.

SURFERS PARADISE

2019-20 finish: 4th

2018-19 record: 8 wins, 6 losses, 2 draws

Key gain: Justin Clarke

Key loss: Wade McDougall

Key player: Claye Beams

Summary: The Demons improved out of sight last summer and we’re backing them to remain in finals contention under the leadership of Claye Beams.

Last words: “Our seasons expectation is the same as every season, go out and compete as well as we can. We always try to improve on our last performance and to have a lot of fun as well.” - Coach Scott Day.