Sport
23 January, 2026
Carisbrook to host Colts in finale replay
Reigning premiers Colts Phelans are scheduled to begin their shortened two-day campaign with a trip to the team they defeated in last season’s Grand Final, Carisbrook.
In the two encounters these sides have played this season, the result has eerily been the same, with the Colts fending off a respectable Carisbrook challenge on their way to a six-wicket victory.
The Colts’ revamped bowling attack has been lethal this season, with a league-leading 88 wickets and has been particularly potent against a Carisbrook team that has currently scored the most runs in the competition.
Commanding three-wicket hauls from quicks Nick Henderson and Jack Gallimore powered the Colts to bowl their round three opponents out for 107.
Asim Akhtar ensured the Colts reached that target in just 16 overs, launching three fours and four sixes on his way to an unbeaten 43.
Carisbrook set a tougher gauntlet when the two teams met in round six, with William Coutts, Martin Mark, Brayden Wright and Dean Nalder boasting handy knocks.
However, the Colts surpassed Carisbrook’s total of 7/144 with relative ease, with Rhys Egan providing a massive boost at the top of the order with a powerful 45.
Currently trailing top-of-the-table Laanecoorie Dunolly by a measly three points, the Colts will eye a faultless run in their next three matches before meeting their bitter rivals in the final round of the home and away season.
The reigning premiers won’t be allowed to coast their way towards that much-anticipated fixture against a Carisbrook team that thrived in the two-day format last season.
Last season’s runner-up went 3-3 in two-day matches and were extremely competitive against the league’s juggernauts, culminating in their memorable 112-run semi-final win over Laane.
Carisbrook averaged 221 runs in those six games, with key pillars like Wright, Coutts and Jordan Hooper thriving without over restrictions.
The main question surrounding Carisbrook in their quest for finals centres around their bowling attack, which will be without the production of Ritik Yadav this season.