Sport
14 March, 2025
Crows and Colts clash for a grand final place
After finishing the regular season against each other, the fourth encounter between Colts Phelans and Beaufort will have the highest stakes.
With both teams being knocked out in the semi-finals last season, one of these teams will take the extra step and have the opportunity at ultimate glory.
After their season ended thanks to a dominant Laanecoorie Dunolly performance, the Crows have continued to build on their successes from last season, when they also qualified for the one-day final.
Beaufort was dominant out of the gate, winning their first two matches to put them into contention for the one-day final and placed them in a good position for finals.
Reigning Ken Gibbs medallist Lachlan Oddie has once again been a star, but he certainly hasn’t been the only Crow to soar this season.
Fellow spinning all-rounder Tom Alexander has proved quite a force with the ball in his hand, taking a league-leading 21 wickets.
His efforts have been supported by Joel Pymer and Jayden Scotland, with the Crows grabbing the second most wickets this season with 87, one wicket behind Laane.
While a late addition to the squad, Nicholas Cooper has been worth the wait for Beaufort, making 165 runs in just two matches for an average of 82.5.
While they have earned their finals berth, the Crows have been unable to defeat the two teams above them in the standings this season, Laane and the Colts.
Following a disappointing exit at the hands of Clunes last season, the Colts have rebounded strongly, finishing 18 points clear of second.
Effective recruiting has boosted their side, with the English trio of Max Jackson, Charlie Scorer, and Regan Goundry making key contributors this season.
Ben Evans has also hit the ground running for the Colts, leading the way with the ball with 17 wickets.
That isn’t to say club stalwarts haven’t contributed, with captain Rhys Egan, Dayne Baker, and Nick Henderson having strong seasons.
The Colts success has certainly come at the expense of Beaufort this season, winning all three matches between the two sides including denying the Crows back-to-back One Day Grand Final berths.
The last time the Crows defeated the Colts in A Grade was in round four of the 2023/24 season when Oddie scored an unbeaten 101 to lead Beaufort to a 45-run victory in a T20 encounter.