CAMERON Murray believes trophy-hunting Kearsley are starting to fire on all cylinders after beating Little Lever on Sunday to reach next month’s Hamer Cup semi-finals.

Murray’s men are third in the Premiership table, seven points off top spot, and through to the last four of the BCL’s leading cup competition following their 86-run home victory over the in-form Victory Road side.

The Australian all-rounder praised a rounded performance as the hosts, who won the toss, posted 242-9 before bowling their visitors out for 156 inside 34 overs.

With the bat, all of their middle order got starts, with professional Imran Khalid hitting 45 and Jack Berry 48 – his first-team best.

With the ball, each of their five-man attack, including Murray’s off-spinners, struck.

“We had a bad start with the bat and a wobble in the middle, but there were a couple of partnerships of 70-odd and 50-odd that got us to 240,” said Murray. “Everyone seemed to get a start without kicking on.

“But Jack Berry got his top score in first-team cricket and batted really well.

“If we can get someone to go on and get a big score, that would be great. But we’re showing a lot of improvement. It’s all coming together.”

While Murray feels his side’s batting is their strength, it seems to be their bowling that is currently leading the way.

In their left-arm spinning pro Khalid and new ball seamer Mohammad Jameel, they have two bowlers who have broken the 30-wicket barrier in the league and cup this summer, while the likes of experienced Dave Mather, Murray himself and former captain Grant Cordin are all providing impressive support.

On Sunday, Jameel claimed 3-39 from 8.1 overs, while both seamers Mather and Cordin struck twice and Murray and Khalid once apiece.

“If someone does it one week, it seems to be someone else the next. We always seem to have someone who steps up,” said Murray.

“It’s great as a captain to know someone will always take wickets or bowl those tight lines. It’s all clicking at the minute.”

Murray also had praise for a Little Lever side who could join them in next season’s Premiership. He said: “They beat us last week in the T20 and have a strong side. They have a good overseas and pro and a couple of other good local lads. I’m sure they’ll do well this season.”

But in terms of Kearsley’s Hamer Cup hopes, Murray, who does not subscribe to the theory that a good cup run takes the pressure off other competitions, added: “We’re confident against any side and have shown a lot of teams that we’re here to do well. If we keep doing what we’re doing, I’m sure results will go our way.

“Every competition you want to do well in. I don’t prioritise one above the other.

“Whether it’s a T20, a Peter Stafford or the Hamer Cup, let’s try and win it and go as far as possible.

“At the end of the year, we could be looking at three or four trophies instead of one.”