Sport
18 October, 2024
Key game for both Clunes and Colts Phelans
Clunes and Colts Phelans meet in a repeat of last season’s semi-final.
The Magpies will be hoping to avoid a second consecutive loss to start their campaign, while Colts Phelans will be looking for a second straight victory.
Clunes were not able to chase down Beaufort’s target of 189 last week, despite their best efforts in making a solid start.
The batting lineup was worn down by some tight bowling from Beaufort’s slower bowlers, in particular Lachlan Oddie, who was able to restrict the Magpies to just 11 runs off his eight overs.
However, the positives for the Magpies would be the form of Anthony Ellis and Lucas Rais-Colvin, who put together some good scores to open the season, suggesting that they’ll be in good shape to put some consistent runs on the board throughout.
It was also a chance for the Magpies to trial what is an entirely new bowling lineup this season.
While it will take some time to gel, the Magpies should rightfully be happy with the form of Brett Coon, with the youngster taking 4/33 to lead allcomers in the league after the first game, while Dylan Davies took 3/29.
Brad Stevenson proved to be efficient as well, not taking a wicket, but going at just over two an over from his eight overs, which included three maidens.
However, they did also concede 34 extras last week, including 27 wides. They will be hoping to rectify that.
Considering the high-scoring nature of Colts’ win last week, it is a must.
Colts were extremely aggressive against Carisbrook’s bowling attack last week and it yielded a score of 219, which was more than enough to take an 86-run victory.
Rhys Egan got the start that he would have liked as a returning captain, scoring 29, while Colts would have been pleased with their new English trio.
Max Jackson and Regan Goundry provided some excellent middle-order hitting, with Jackson anchoring the innings with his 38 and Goundry scoring 27.
Charlie Scorer then came in throughout the second half of the innings and played a splendid innings to open his campaign, scoring an unbeaten 52.
Three of their four key recruits also contributed heavily with the ball, with the returning Ben Evans impressive in taking three wickets. Scorer and Goundry helped finish off the job by taking two wickets, and overall, it was a very successful day for Colts.
It was Clunes who scored a 70-run win in the semi-final last season in their last meeting.
After a slow start, Corey Garth anchored the top of the order with his 37, while Mitch Coppick, Mark Allen and Lachlan Morganti combined for 94 runs.
But it was Brendan Ingram’s 47 which helped give Clunes the impetus in scoring 197, before Ash Gunn’s 9/39 helped provide Clunes the win, ensuring Colts collapsed from 3/92 to be all out for 127.