Sport
4 January, 2024
Clunes and Carisbrook meet in important top-four clash
An important battle between top four teams Carisbrook and Clunes could help shape the ladder as they embark on their two-day campaigns. The Magpies currently sit just two points behind Beaufort on the overall ladder, while Carisbrook are just two...
An important battle between top four teams Carisbrook and Clunes could help shape the ladder as they embark on their two-day campaigns.
The Magpies currently sit just two points behind Beaufort on the overall ladder, while Carisbrook are just two points ahead of Colts Phelans in fourth.
So, for both these teams, there’s plenty to play for over the next two weeks — not least the opportunity to cement themselves as a potential two-day contender.
Clunes have had the wood over Carisbrook this season, taking both their one-day clash and their T20 clash quite comfortably, winning both by five wickets.
On both occasions, it was the bowling lineup that was crucial to getting the job done, restricting Carisbrook to a run rate of just under four runs an over across both games.
Leading wicket-taker Ash Gunn was instrumental in their one-day meeting, taking four wickets, and he’ll be in the mix again to continue his excellent form this season, which has seen him take nine wickets, while being one of the harder bowlers to take runs off, conceding four runs an over and bowling seven maidens — good enough to be third in the competition.
Alongside him, partner in crime Jaxon Smyth has provided seven wickets, while Noah Davies (seven), Brett Coon (six) and Mark Allen (five) have all chipped in on the charts this year as well.
Lachlan Morganti, meanwhile, is starting to heat up. While he’s only bowled 16 overs this season, he’s made an impact, particularly in the T20 grand final where he was the Magpies’ best bowler.
From a batting perspective, expect the Magpies to be strong, as it plays more into their style of play.
Anthony Ellis was a good contributor in the two-day format last season, while Mitch Coppick is coming into the two-day campaign in strong form, averaging 31 with the bat.
Morganti was also excellent with the bat in the whites with Maryborough last season, and will be one to watch.
For Carisbrook, who are returning to the two-day scene, they will be hoping that they can make an immediate impact.
The longer format will play into the hands of their more experienced players at the top of the order, with Dean Nalder (228 runs) and Martin Mark (198 runs) required to play big roles to keep the Brookers very much in the game.
Cole Harris comes into the game having made 119 runs across the season so far, which included a 50 against Maryborough, and he’ll be another who’ll look to give the Brookers a solid grounding with the bat.
There will also be more opportunities for the likes of Elliot Cullinan, Caleb Cluff and William Coutts to build an innings.
Carisbrook’s bowling order also seems suited, more or less, to the longer format, and they’ll be looking to hit consistent areas on the pitch.
Nick Broad and James Adam have been the main strike options this season, with both taking eight wickets apiece, while Nalder has contributed seven wickets.
They will also be looking for the likes of Harris (four wickets) and Cooper Mark (three wickets) to make an impact, while Rohan Mackay could loom as a wildcard.