Sport
20 February, 2026
Colts readies to host Clunes
Colts Phelans and Clunes will be keen to rectify some mistakes after they both suffered disappointing defeats for different reasons last weekend.
While their thrilling 14-run defeat versus the Bulls won’t make a dent in the Colts’ finishing inside the top two, it’s a cautionary tale for a team that’s been prone to collapse with the bat this season.
Unlike in earlier scenarios, there was no golden parachute for the reigning premiers to survive after being 5/46 on the eve of day one.
If it’s any consolation to the Colts, it’s better to identify a problem in February instead of that problem eliminating you in March, and while their batting faltered, their bowling attack continued to be in out-standing form.
Since losing the one-day Grand Final to Laanecoorie Dunolly, the Colts have allowed a minuscule average of 137 runs in their last three matches.
Asim Akhtar has been spectacular in that stretch with a pivotal 10 wickets, while the recent arrivals of Jack Mensforth and Liam Stubbings have given their already stacked attack an extra supply of TNT.
The Colts bowling prowess will provide a tough challenge for a Clunes team that has recently undergone a whirlwind of emotions.
There aren’t many situations where a team can be proud of losing a first innings by 261 runs, but the Magpies’ heart and determination to deny Carisbrook of an outright victory on Saturday is worthy of praise.
Very few superlatives can adequately describe the vital role Mitch Coppick has played for the Magpies in 2025/26, with his unbeaten 60 in the second innings arguably his finest knock of the season. The Magpies captain now has 388 runs this campaign, currently third in the competition’s run-scoring charts.
Brenton Jones also starred for the Magpies, hitting his highest score since March 6, 2021, with an integral 48 that included five fours and two sixes.
Saturday’s great escape isn’t the first time Clunes have showcased persistence with the bat this season, with a prime example happening in round four when the Magpies and Colts were the combatants in one of the greatest games played this season.
Finding his team reeling at 5/59 thanks to Noah Davies and Brett Coon, Ben Evans reasserted control for the favourites, with his sublime 71 leading the Colts to 8/182.
The Colts were even more favoured when Henderson quickly dismissed both of Clunes’ openers to sink their opponents to 2/20.
With the help of a hard-hitting 31 from Jones, a 70-run partnership between Ahmed Rehman and Coppick set the stage for the Magpies captain to hit a game-tying four with the last ball of the day.