Sport
31 January, 2025
A reserve returns from break
After over a month spent away from the wicket, the A reserve competition is ready to hit the field with six rounds left to play in what is an incredibly tight season.
Currently leading the way is last year’s semi-finalists Maryborough, who hope to regain their form which saw them on a six-game winning streak before the season break.
Their last win before the break was one of their sweetest, avenging their only loss of the season against Laanecoorie Dunolly with a 10-wicket victory at home.
Hot on their heels in second and third are Colts Phelans and reigning premiers Clunes.
The Colts have brought themselves into contention this season, already surpassing their win total from last season of four wins where they finished fifth.
The Colts were level on points with Maryborough before they lost to Clunes in round eight by three wickets after Clunes’ Mitch Coppick made an excellent 76.
The result showcased that Clunes are a threat to swoop in and repeat as premiers.
Last year’s A reserve minor premiers and runners-up Talbot started to find their groove in December with two wins on the trot against Clunes and MKM to sit in fourth.
Laanecoorie Dunolly is leading the teams who are on the outside looking in on the finals picture, hoping to cap off their return to the A reserve competition with a finals berth.
While currently holding the same position as they finished last season in sixth, Carisbrook has shown noticeable development, especially with Elliot Cullinan who leads the league in runs scored this season.
MKM and Beaufort round out the bottom of the table with 12 points each, with both teams showcasing competitive performances throughout the season.
MKM are unlucky not to have two wins from their last three matches after losing their last four wickets for one run against Talbot to lose by one run.
Beaufort collected their first win of the season in the last round before the midseason break, with Nick Stabbins recording the first 100 of the A reserve season to bat the Crows to a six-wicket victory against Carisbrook.
Top Three Run Scorers
- 1. Elliot Cullinan — Carisbrook Runs scored: 291 High score: 82 V Beaufort, Round 8
- 2. Callum Liddicoat — Laanecoorie Dunolly Runs scored: 183 High score: 80 V Beaufort, Round 3
- 3. Jason Hunt — Maryborough Runs scored: 181 High score: 99 V Carisbrook, Round 4
Top Three Wicket Takers
- 1. Graham Taylor — Colts Phelans Wickets Taken: 15 Best Figures: 5/15 V MKM, Round 4
- 2. Jason Hunt — Maryborough Wickets Taken: 11 Best Figures: 5/10 V Carisbrook, Round 4
- = 3. Jayden McDonald — Laanecoorie Dunolly Wickets Taken: 10 Best Figures: 5/15 V Beaufort, Round 3
- = 3. Jasper Trickey — Maryborough Wickets Taken: 10 Best Figures: 3/33 V Colts Phelans, Round 2