Sport
16 January, 2026
Colts host nearby neighbours Maryborough
Despite the game’s duration being slashed in half, that won’t deter neighbours Colts Phelans and Maryborough from giving everything to snatch a key victory at Hedges Oval this Saturday.
Even with this match now changing to a one-day encounter following last weekend’s cancellation of play, the equation remains the same for both teams.
A win for the Colts would give the reigning premiers a 21-point cushion inside the top two, virtually securing a home final come March.
However, a Maryborough victory would shrink that gap to just nine points, opening the door for the Owls to fly inside the top two with four rounds to play.
Both clubs announced their teams before the two-day match was rescheduled, with the named 11 generating some extra intrigue if the sides remain unchanged.
The Colts’ preliminary team was noticeably different from their one-day Grand Final defeat to Laanecoorie Dunolly, with the biggest alteration surrounding captain Rhys Wagstaff.
With Wagstaff unavailable, stalwart seamer Nick Henderson was named captain, scheduled to lead a team that saw the addition of fellow fast bowler Jack Gallimore and Liam Stubbings.
As for Maryborough, their squad was poised for a litany of changes, headlined by two players preparing to make their A grade debut for the Owls.
After making four A grade appearances for the reigning premiers in 2025/26, Colts junior product and MDCA under 17 Kirton Shield member Tate Williams has gone crosstown to Maryborough, scheduled to play his first game in green and yellow against his former club.
Bradley Reeves was also planned to be promoted to the MDCA’s premier competition after an impressive showing in the Owls’ defeat to MKM in A reserve.
Also among the inclusions were Mitch McClure and Ben Hoban, a talented duo who were absent from Maryborough’s squad during the tail-end of the one-day season.
Hoban especially was in spectacular form before being forced to retire not out in Maryborough’s last meeting with the Colts.
The long-standing Owl has scored 174 runs as part of a deadly opening partnership with Oliver Bennett and has been a difference maker with the ball, taking a game-changing 4/21 in round six against Clunes.