Sport
5 December, 2025
Colts look to clinch one-day finale spot
The solution to the Colts’ equation of returning to the one-day Grand Final for the third time in four years is now this — defeat Clunes, and they are in.
While they would have another chance versus Beaufort regardless of their result with the Magpies, the Colts would like to sew up that spot as soon as possible, especially off the back of their long-awaited victory over old foes Laanecoorie Dunolly.
Abdaar Ishaq was the star of a historic victory, complementing his 2/11 from eight overs with the ball to hit the winning boundary on the final delivery, ending an immaculate 74-ball knock on 78.
For a player who averaged 19.2 in his first seven innings despite some good starts, Ishaq’s breakout innings will do his confidence a world of good as he looks to be a key player for the Colts this season.
Ishaq’s heroics shouldn’t overshadow a brilliant bowling performance from the Colts, placing the one-day title holders at 4/32 with wickets from Ishaq, Tate Williams and Asim Akhtar.
Despite not being fully rewarded for their efforts, Wayne Stubbings and Ben Evans also bowled really well, taking 1/16 and 1/26 from their allotted eight overs.
While it looks almost inevitable the Colts will reach another white ball finale, it won’t be as simple as your ABC’s or your 1,2,3’s versus a Clunes team who can compete with anyone in the MDCA when at their best.
The Colts are well aware of that fact. Similar to Ishaq’s valorous innings last weekend, Mitch Coppick hit a four with the final ball of the innings to rescue a tie for the Magpies in their round four encounter with the Colts.
After snapping their 13-game losing streak spanning from their winless campaign last season, Clunes have had numerous chances to capture a long-awaited victory this season.
Still, whether it’s bad timing, bad execution, or bad luck, a win hasn’t been forthcoming.
However, the bright side of that conundrum is that the pieces are clearly in place for the Magpies to make some noise this season.
Their fearsome foursome of Ritik Yadav, Brett Coon, Noah and Dylan Davies has combined to take 42 wickets this season, more than any other top quartet in the competition.
The batting load is still being carried by Coppick and Ahmed Rehman, who combined to score 115 runs against the Colts back in round four, but depth is beginning to emerge with the returning Jude McGuire, Brenton Jones, Dylan Davies and Yadav recently producing solid knocks.