Sport
24 December, 2024
Colts lands a finals berth before Christmas after claiming six-wicket win over Carisbrook
Half of the Maryborough District Cricket Association’s A grade finalists have been booked before Christmas, with Colts Phelans scoring a six-wicket win over Carisbrook.
Resuming at 0/12, Colts were able to bat at a brisk pace throughout the balance of the day, with the ultra-aggressive Rhys Wagstaff in the mix and Harrison Kurzke to start the day.
Through the duo, Colts were able to pass 50 with ease without loss as they set up a good platform for their middle order to attack.
Kurzke was first to fall, however, trapped in front for LBW by Lucas Hurse for 11.
Soon, Carisbrook would have a little sniff when Nick Broad lured Wagstaff into hitting a ball straight to Hurse for 36.
But, just as Carisbrook threatened to get a march back into the game, up stepped Charlie Scorer and Max Jackson to rip away any chances of the Brookers roaring back into the game.
Both English all-rounders were showing their innovative style as they cruised towards the target, and the result of it all was a 143-run partnership which left the Brookers flummoxed at times as they scrambled for a solution.
After lunch, the duo accelerated, and forced Carisbrook to take out spinners Brayden Wright and Dean Nalder.
That did, at the very least, grant Carisbrook two wickets, but it was too late, with just 11 to get.
Cole Harris was the man who finally broke through, with Scorer popping one up to Jordan Hooper for a well-made 73.
After that, Cooper Mark would strike, bowling well in a brief cameo, and was rewarded with Regan Goundry’s wicket, caught by Brayden Wright for one.
As Colts passed the target to officially win by six wickets, they elected to bat on, with Jackson on course for a century.
But at the end of the day, he skied a ball up into the waiting arms of Mark, giving Harris his second wicket, while Jackson departed for 83.
That was the game then and there, with both teams shaking hands after the wicket.
Rhys Egan was unbeaten on 10 for Colts, while Harris was Carisbrook’s best bowler, taking 2/30 off nine overs.
Both teams will be in fascinating match ups at the start of the calendar year. Colts will play Clunes, hoping to almost lock in a top two spot — and an all-important home final, while Carisbrook will be hoping to increase their lead over Clunes in fourth and perhaps ask questions of Beaufort when the two teams meet at the competition’s resumption.