Sport
21 March, 2025
Clunes aim to keep A reserve crown versus Colts
Colts Phelans aim to prevent Clunes from going back-to-back when the two teams battle to crown the 2024/25 A reserve premiers.
On paper, this looks to be a fascinating back-and-forth contest, with neither team imposing odds on favourite.
Despite the Colts finishing 12 points clear of the Magpies in the regular season and looking dominant against Talbot in their semi-final, you can’t underestimate Clunes, who knocked off the minor premiers Maryborough after a ruthless bowling display.
While both teams have completed their road to the grand final, the Colts and Magpies went on two separate journeys to reach their destination.
After missing out on finals last season by 12 points, the Colts were dominant right out of the blocks, winning five of their first six games and finishing the regular season with three wins on the trot.
The Colts have been guided by a strong core of players, all capable of changing the complexity of the grand final with their talents.
Leading the way with the bat this season has been David Forde, with the classy left-hander scoring the most runs in the competition with 370 at an average of over 33.
Aaron Balzan and Graham Taylor have also excelled with the bat. Alongside Forde, the batsmen are three of the eight batters to surpass 250 runs this season.
Taylor has also been superb with the ball, winning the A reserve bowling average award with 25 wickets at an average of 7.24, while Dan McGregor is the only other bowler in the competition to take 20 or more wickets this season.
Clunes, who entered the season as A reserve champions after a thrilling one-wicket victory against Talbot, had an up-and-down end to the season after winning four of their first five games.
However, the Magpies seem to be soaring at the right time, producing one of their best performances of the season in their semi-final win, showcasing their vital finals experience and depth with the bat and ball.
Four players have scored over 100 runs for Clunes this season, with Daniel Fordham making 189 runs at an average of 27.
Their bowling attack is loaded with options like Josh Dunn (13 wickets), Lucas Fudge (8) and the Coon trio of Jax (9), Brett (7) and Paul (7) all capable of taking wickets aplenty.
That talented list doesn’t even include Brad Stevenson, who took 5/18 in the Magpies semi-final victory against Maryborough.
These two teams faced each other twice in the regular season, with each team taking a victory apiece.
A grade team of the year member Charlie Scorer made his mark in round three, paving the way for the Colts to take a six-wicket victory with an unbeaten 71.
The Magpies answered back in round eight, defeating the Colts by three wickets off the back of a sublime 76 from Mitch Coppick.