PAUL Johnston and perennial contenders Southport-Labrador were quick to serve notice of their season intentions by producing a searing opening day performance against Runaway Bay at Sam Loxton Oval on Saturday. Johnston, 33, a tower of strength in the Tigers' attack for 10 seasons, snared 5-20 as the Bay, sent in to bat, were rolled for 90.
Southport-Labrador lost just three wickets and clinched first-innings points on the second-last ball of a rain-shortened day.
Johnston, son-in-law of former Tigers and Dolphins administrative veteran the late Paul Hicks, played grade for Toombul, Gold Coast and South Melbourne before turning to the local competition.
"There have been plenty of highlights, although last season was a bit disappointing, what with injuries, the weather and missing out in the finals," he said. "But we have a lot of experience in the side as well as one or two newcomers.
A few of us are pushing on now though so we want to give it a real go this year." With Reece McDonald (3-9) back in tandem after missing last season, the visitors swiftly seized control in one of just two first-grade matches to get under way.
No play was possible in the heavyweight clash between defending premiers Palm Beach-Currumbin and Broadbeach-Robina, or at grand finalists Alberton, hosting Surfers Paradise-Benowa.
In the first week of the streamlined eight-team competition Runaway Bay were reduced to 5-19 before 34 from Geoff Griffin mitigated the situation.
But the bottom line is that Southport, who last won the premiership in 2009, were minor premiers in 2010 and have made the finals for four years in a row, look well set to challenge for more honours.
The other top flight match was at Mudgeeraba-Nerang where the home side occupied 57 overs to post 3-178 against Queens. Teenager Josh Nelson, unbeaten on 53, put on 60 for the second wicket with Hugh Priest (48). | Attachment: No Attachment |
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