Sport
30 January, 2026
Clunes look to defend 171 versus Laane
Clunes will be tasked with an uphill battle when play resumes at Bull Millgate Oval tomorrow, aiming to prevent Laanecoorie Dunolly from surpassing their first innings total of 171.
The Magpies’ climb looked certain to be at an impossible incline when an Amar Ullah and Joe Lovel led bowling attack had Clunes in tremendous trouble at 8/91.
As they joined Bonnie Tyler in Holding Out for a Hero, Dylan Davies came to the rescue, scoring a much-needed half-century with five fours and a six.
It isn’t the first time Davies has stepped up with the bat this season, hitting an unbeaten 38 in Clunes’ narrow defeat to Beaufort back in round seven.
The renaissance year of Mitch Coppick continued with an entertaining 40 at the top of the order, while fellow 2023/24 MDCA Team of the Year member Jude McGuire also impressed with a hard-fought 24.
As their attention turns from batting to fielding, it will be interesting to see how the Magpies plan to attack their opponents without their leading wicket-taker, Noah Davies.
The likes of Brett Coon and Ahmed Rehman will look to replicate their pivotal bowling performances in their landmark win against Beaufort, while the return of Ritik Yadav provides a needed injection to their bowling stocks.
Not many bowlers possess a better record than Yadav against the Laane juggernaut, with the spinner taking 10 wickets in his last three meetings with the reigning one-day premiers.
Fascination also surrounds Laane’s run-chase, largely caused by being forced to face one over at the conclusion of day one.
After completing his role as nightwatchman, Alex Cook finally has his golden opportunity to showcase his abilities with the willow, something which has eluded him this campaign.
The Englishman was one of the most dominant batters in the competition last year, finishing with 431 runs, which included an unbeaten 116 versus Clunes.
However, following the arrival of Nafis Shaikh and Josh Fitzpatrick as well as the recent acquisition of Ullah, Cook has been shifted down the order, last picking up the bat in round eight against Colts Phelans.
With Cook’s promotion causing a minor batting reshuffle, it might also alter Laane’s game plan, forcing them to ponder if they should be somewhat conservative with the potential of unfamiliar partnerships at the top of the order, or remain aggressive and attempt to force Clunes to bat again.