Sport
5 December, 2025
Avoca, Colts and Clunes earn gripping victories
Round six of the MDCA’s A reserve season brought about some tense encounters, with finals contenders Avoca, Colts Phelans and Clunes the foremost beneficiaries.
MKM 101 def by Clunes 7/104
Following their shaky start to their premiership defence, Clunes have vaulted into the top four with a three-wicket victory over MKM, their third win on the trot.
The frontline bowling trio of Adam Clark, Paul Coon and Brad Stevenson slashed through MKM’s top-order at Ron Sinclair Oval, with the hosts left vulnerable at 5/25.
A 36-run partnership from Tibin Michael and Jonathon Knight allowed MKM to surpass triple digits, with the pair scoring 26 and 22 respectively.
Outside of an unbeaten 16 from Henry Potter, Clark made quick work of the MKM tail, taking the last two wickets to end the innings with 4/18 from 7.3 overs.
Following on from their 68-run partnership against Beaufort Blue the week prior, openers Mark Jenkin and Fred Penhall had Clunes’ run chase off to a flyer.
When Jenkin was dismissed for 58 after blasting eight fours and two sixes, it looked as though the Magpies would reach their target without breaking a sweat at 2/86.
Enter Potter and Knight, who caused an almighty collapse by taking five wickets for just two runs, giving the hosts the chance of a great escape with their opponents now at 7/91.
The partnership of Coon and Lucas Fudge denied MKM a famous fightback, completing the run chase in the 24th over.
After setting the early pace, MKM now find themselves on the outside looking in on the top four with back-to-back losses.
Carisbrook 125 def by Avoca 154
Carisbrook put up a spirited performance against the undefeated ladder-leaders, but Avoca pulled through with a 29-run victory.
While Carisbrook’s attack, led by Cooper Mark, Brandyn Eagle and David Coomber, was constantly picking off his teammates, James Collicoat buoyed Avoca’s innings.
His unbeaten 70 places him second in the competition’s run-scoring charts and, more importantly, carried the Bulldogs to a final score of 154 with the help of late knocks from Liam McLinden and William Levick.
Angus Morrison limited Avoca from accelerating away late, taking Carisbrook’s last four wickets of the innings.
Despite many of Carisbrook’s top-order bats getting off to promising starts, the Bulldogs routinely found ways to sink their teeth into the host’s batting lineup.
Carisbrook captain and leading run-scorer Jarryd Coghlan attempted to keep his team afloat, but three wickets from Tyson Gray and Cameron Holland bowled Carisbrook for 125, leaving Coghlan stranded on 47 not out.
Colts Phelans 107 def Beaufort Red 99
Rising star Hunter Kurzke showcased his game-changing potential on Saturday by allowing the Colts to escape with an eight-run victory over Beaufort Red.
The MDCA 2025 under 17 Kirton Shield member opened the match by providing a lifeline to the Colts’ innings, while Beaufort Red’s Benjamin and Harrison Grant caused major problems at the top of the order.
After Benjamin Grant bowled Hunter Kurzke for 44, fellow Grant, Thomas Grant, ended an exceptional spell with the ball, ending with eye-catching figures of 3/2 with three maidens from 6.3 overs as the Colts were all out for 107.
Benjamin (2/21) and Harrison Grant (2/14) finished with two wickets, as did Nicolas Stares (2/20).
With Blake Jantzen and Thomas Grant expertly navigating the opening attacks of Ethan Chaplin and Grant Rogers, the Colts turned to Kurzke and Daniel McGregor in their desperate pursuit of breakthroughs.
The duo delivered and then some, flipping Beaufort Red’s controlling position of 0/30 to panic stations at 4/33.
Kurzke and McGregor continued their devastating bowling to take Beaufort Red’s first seven wickets, with Kurzke headlining with 4/16 and McGregor just as potent at 3/13 with four maidens.
Despite their brilliance, an impressive knock from Benjamin Grant kept Beaufort Red alive until a clutch spell from Joshua McDonald doomed the visitors’ run chase to fall eight runs short.
Beaufort Blue vs Maryborough abandoned due to a washout
Beaufort Blue and Maryborough were forced to share three points after their scheduled clash was called off due to wet weather.
It’s the second time both teams have been washed out this season, after rain ended their round two matches with Beaufort Red and Clunes respectively before the end of the first innings.
Round Seven
Round seven is anticipated to be a blockbuster, with four teams inside the top five set to face off this weekend.
In the first meeting between last season’s Grand Final participants, Clunes will host Colts Phelans, with both teams currently in scintillating form.
Led by a 118-run partnership from Daniel Fordham and Mitch Coppick, the Magpies became back-to-back champions with a four-wicket win, forcing the Colts to finish runners-up for the second time in three years.
Desperate to end their current losing funk, MKM can deliver a noticeable statement of intent by handing Avoca their first loss of the season away from home.
After both teams suffered close losses on the weekend, one will bounce back with a win as Beaufort Red hosts Carisbrook.
With their round six bye a timely chance to regroup, Laanecoorie Dunolly can reinsert themselves into the finals discussion against second-placed Maryborough at Jubilee Oval.
Beaufort Blue is scheduled to have the bye in round seven.