Sport
2 February, 2023
Big scores galore in A reserve as top four continue their winning ways
A good weekend for the batsmen also filtered down to A reserve, where some spectacular scores helped pave the way for some thrilling matches. Carisbrook held on to the Spokes/Koop Shield thanks to a 37-run victory against a gallant MKM. An inspired...
A good weekend for the batsmen also filtered down to A reserve, where some spectacular scores helped pave the way for some thrilling matches.
Carisbrook held on to the Spokes/Koop Shield thanks to a 37-run victory against a gallant MKM.
An inspired spell from Bradley Reeves helped vault him to the top of the wicket-taking charts, with his early work restricting Carisbrook to 5/50.
However, a 56-run partnership then followed, with Dean Nalder and Leigh Koop — determined to ensure Carisbrook would continue to keep the shield that bears his father’s name — getting them back into the game.
Koop top-scored with 42 as Brook were bowled out for 150, with Reeves finishing with the show-stopping figures of 6/14 off eight overs.
In response, Carisbrook fought back with the ball, with Nick Broad and Cole Harris taking the first four wickets combined, leaving MKM struggling at 4/26. While there were fighting efforts from Craig Horner (23) and Dylin Leist (29), Nalder finished off the Mill with 4/40 off his eight overs to bowl them out for 113.
Colts Phelans continued to assume top spot thanks to an 80-run victory against Talbot.
A strong 89-run partnership to open proceedings between Rhys Wagstaff (66) and Matt Scott (44) ensured they would always have the upper hand, and further contributions from Rhys Egan (23) and Sebastian Borg (27 not out) meant that Colts finished on 6/209.
Jack Kenden was the Yabbies’ best bowler, finishing on 3/46.
In response, a devastating spell between Ethan Chaplin and Jackson Gordon kickstarted a steady stream of wickets, with Talbot unable to sustain a partnership of more than 28 runs as they were bowled out for 129.
Chaplin continued his recent fine form with 3/20, with Gordon finishing on 2/9, while Jag Searle top-scored for the Yabbies with 23.
There was more frustration for Clunes — despite keeping up with the top two, they were forced to endure a third consecutive forfeit after Laanecoorie Dunolly advised that they could not field a team.
Avoca and Natte Yallock took part in a run-fest, with almost 400 runs scored between the two teams.
Ryan Weir and Zac Mortlock shared in a 148-run partnership, with Weir finishing on 63 and Mortlock on 85 as Natte eventually finished on 5/196.
Cameron Holland’s 2/11 with the ball was even bettered by his form with the bat, helping the Bulldogs recover from 2/32 by engaging in an important 79-run partnership with Nathan Lester, with Holland finishing on 61 and Lester 51.
The work of Mathew Drummond (23), Wayne Levick (28 not out) and Jason Hunt (16 not out) ensured the Bulldogs would stay in the top four by winning with three overs to spare, finishing on 6/199.
Trent Mortlock was Natte’s best performer with the ball, finishing with 3/24.
Maryborough kept their finals chances alive with a 94-run victory over Beaufort.
The Owls had six batsmen make over 20 runs, with Kris Bagley leading the way, finishing unbeaten on 72, while Jacob Glen (36), Marc Cassidy (33) and Bradey Tranter (32) were also solid performers.
In response, the Crows had their best batting performance of the season, led by Andrew Grant, who finished with 37 runs, but were unable to make any headway into the Owls’ imposing total, finishing on 7/148.
With just six rounds to go, results will start to come at a premium as the finals race heats up.
Clunes will look to finally return to the park in their first game in almost two months when they travel to Beaufort, as they look to keep track with the top two, sitting just percentage behind Carisbrook.
MKM’s finals chances could hinge on the fortunes of their game against ladder-leading Colts Phelans, with a loss potentially leaving them two games out of the top four.
It will also be an important game between Maryborough and Talbot, with the Owls currently best-placed to take advantage of any slip-up from Avoca, while Talbot sit just a game behind the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs will be looking to quell any concerns the chasing pack have over their top four spot when they travel to Laanecoorie Dunolly.
Carisbrook will be looking to take advantage of any slip-up Colts Phelans sustains when they play Natte Yallock, who have been more competitive than their one-win season suggests.
The Red House Bakery 16 and under grade will also return this week, with two games remaining in the season.
Carisbrook will be hosting Laanecoorie Dunolly, and Colts Phelans will be playing Maryborough at Jubilee Oval.
