Sport
30 January, 2026
Colts will attempt three-peat over Carisbrook
It’s take two of this Grand Final replay as Colts Phelans attempt to complete a regular season sweep of the finals hunting Carisbrook.
The Colts currently find themselves in a unique predicament, knowing they will likely need a victory to keep pace with premiership rivals Laanecoorie Dunolly, who require 172 in their two-day encounter with Clunes, while the Colts’ clash has been rescheduled to a one-day game.
That’s easier said than done against a motivated Carisbrook batting lineup that’s been incredibly consistent yet has failed to fire against the Colts this season.
Even with 2024/25 MDCA Team of the Year member Liam Hurse limited to one appearance so far, Carisbrook’s scoring prowess has risen to another level this season, in large part due to internal improvements from their established depth.
While teenage superstar Elliot Cullinan has adapted to A grade cricket like a duck to water and club legend Dean Nalder continues to be a run factory, the likes of William Coutts, Jordan Hooper, Brayden Wright and Atticus Cullinan have boosted their production.
Captain Coutts in particular has suddenly emerged as arguably the league’s most valuable wicketkeeper, improving his average from 18.73 to an impressive 31.13 on his way to earning a selection to the MDCA’s Melbourne Country Week squad.
Coutts is the only Carisbrook representative named in the side, joined by a flock of Colts who have been key contributors to their premiership defence.
The name Ben Evans probably still springs nightmares for much of the Carisbrook faithful, building off his man of the match performance in the 2024/25 Grand Final with 14 wickets this campaign, tied for seventh in the competition.
Evans is joined by Asim Akhtar and Josh Collinson in the squad, a pair of destructive bats who have already surpassed 300 runs this season, a feat only five other players have achieved.