Sport
16 January, 2026
Carisbrook eyes repeat upset against Laane
Laanecoorie Dunolly hopes to maintain their stranglehold on the MDCA A grade mountain top against a team that’s previously been a thorn in their side in Carisbrook.
With statewide bushfires forcing this game to be shortened to one day, it looks as though advantages continue to build for the five-time reigning one-day premiers.
Laanecoorie Dunolly has maintained its powerhouse status this season, and they have arguably been at their most dominant against the team that shockingly snapped their 60-game unbeaten streak during last season’s semi-final.
In the team’s first meeting back in round two, captain dynamo Tom Hannett scored the first A grade ton of 2025/26 by blasting 111 from just 120 balls, allowing Laane to score 5/237.
Credit to Carisbrook, they were stubbornly persistent during their run chase despite eventually falling 99 runs short, with Jordan Hooper starring with an unbeaten 72.
Whether it was Hooper sparking some confidence into the side or batting on their home deck, Carisbrook’s bats came alive during the round seven rematch, posting a first innings total of 6/194 thanks to a memorable 139-run partnership from openers William Coutts and Elliot Cullinan.
That target was no match for Laane stars Hannett and Nafis Shaikh however, with the pair both scoring 87 not out to record a nine-wicket victory for the visitors with 53 balls to spare.
While broad brushes paint another Laane win as a likely outcome, Carisbrook clearly gained a lot out of their last meeting with the white-ball champions, sparking an incredible run that included back-to-back victories against Clunes and Beaufort.
After some serious team bowling struggles during the opening rounds, Dean Nalder and Brayden Wright produced critical four-wicket hauls during those wins to get Carisbrook home.
That stretch has placed last season’s runner-up on the precipice of the finals spots and Laane is well aware of how dangerous Carisbrook can be come finals.