HALPIN’S Hurricanes had a “normal slow start” to their Tamworth Premier League McDonald’s Twenty20 last Friday but they are hopeful the first- round loss to Steggles was a case of opening-day blues.
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Batting first, the Hurricanes finished 9-95 and then had their chances before Steggles limped to 8-96.
In the other game, McDonald’s had a more comfortable win, making 3-184, thanks to Shawn Mepham’s unbeaten 100, and then restricting TPW Tigers to 7-149.
The Hurricanes not only had a losing start but also lost skipper Nick Pearson early on.
The left-handed top-order bat re-injured his left knee running between wickets with Mitch Holt as they completed a rescue job.
After being 3-15 early on, Pearson (20) and Holt (30) posted a 33-run fourth wicket stand before Pearson’s injury forced him to hit out and be caught off Tim Unwin (3-15).
It was frustrating for the young captain who has had his knee “pop out” half a dozen times.
“To get through the footy season without any problems,” the Pirates rugby union half back lamented, “and do it again playing cricket...”
The smile belied the disappointment at not being able to bat at his best and then take the field to command what was a gallant fightback.
“It was a great fightback,” franchisee Matt Halpin said.
“We restricted them well.
“We were a little unlucky too. We caught Ben (Middlebrook) off a no ball.
“Those are the game changers.”
Young Bective paceman Lachlan Davidson also had Brad Walters (22) dropped behind at 6-72 as well as Middlebrook, who made an unbeaten 41 off 62 balls, steered Steggles to victory.
“It wouldn’t have been right to start with a win,” Halpin added.
“We’ve always started slowly but we don’t want a real slow start,” he said of today’s impending game against first- round winners McDonald’s.
“Nick reckons he’s going to be right but we’ll have to wait and see.
“Harrison (Kelly) did a good job captaining the side last week when Nick was unable to get out there.”
Davidson, who claimed 3-22 in captaining Farrer to a Gleeson Shield semi-final win over Narrabri on Wednesday, finished up with 4-16 last Friday and will be a key strike weapon again today.
Steggles and TPW Tigers match up at Dick Edwards Oval in the other game, with McDonalds dishing it up to the Hurricanes on Riverside 2.