Sport
20 December, 2024
Brook and Colts set for thrilling finish
It’s a fascinating afternoon of cricket tomorrow, with Colts Phelans looking to book their spot in the finals by chasing 200 more runs, while Carisbrook will look to almost book their own spot in the finals if they can win.
Genuinely, both teams will be up and about after their performance on day one — indicating just how close this matchup could be.
Colts were able to take wickets at regular junctures to keep themselves well in the contest, even after there were times where Carisbrook threatened to build big partnerships.
But the Brookers, for their part, will also be thrilled that the tail’s ability to wag, with Lucas Hurse and Caleb Cluff providing a big partnership of 43 runs, has given them a good target to defend.
It was Max Jackson who gave Colts terrific impetus with the ball, taking the first two wickets in quick succession last Saturday to finish with three for the afternoon, taking him to eight for the season.
More importantly, if he is called upon with the bat, Jackson has also taken a liking to the Carisbrook surface, having scored a brilliant 68 in the one-day final against Laanecoorie Dunolly.
It will be the partnership of Rhys Wagstaff and Harrison Kurzke who starts off Saturday’s play, however, with Wagstaff unbeaten on eight and Kurzke starting on four.
Both batsmen will have golden opportunities to get a big score on the board, with Kurzke getting some much-needed confidence after scoring a quickfire 24 in the one-day final, taking him to 48 runs coming into the clash, while Wagstaff will be hoping to get going with the red ball, having scored 37 runs this season.
It will also be a good chance for Colts’ English trio to continue what’s been a solid season with the bat.
Regan Goundry currently leads the club with 145 runs, while Jackson (140 runs) and Charlie Scorer (103 runs) will be hoping to show what they’re made of with the red ball.
Carisbrook’s task will be to stop Colts from having an influence with the bat.
Should they do so successfully, Carisbrook would move three games clear of fifth-placed Clunes with four games remaining — and with Clunes still to play Colts and Laane, as well as Beaufort away, a win would put Carisbrook in the box seat to claim their first berth in the finals series returning to A grade.
However, they will need to improve their economy rate if they are to score a win.
Last week, Colts were able to score 12 runs off just two overs of play, and it would be danger signs for Carisbrook if Wagstaff, in particular, got going to start Saturday’s play.
Undoubtedly, Liam Hurse will be called upon to open the bowling, having done so last week, and will be required to take wickets at regular intervals.
The Brookers will also call upon Dean Nalder, who has been their most consistent bowler this season, taking six wickets while conceding 4.7 runs per over.
Atticus Cullinan and Cole Harris will also be hoping to strike while the iron is hot to open Saturday’s play, and doing so would allow the Brookers to take command.