Sport
7 March, 2025
Laane look to complete unbeaten season
Laanecoorie Dunolly looks to put the finishing touches on their regular season against Clunes when play resumes at Deledio Recreation Reserve.
Despite the continued efforts of the Magpies, particularly Brendan Ingram and Brenton Jones, a Daniel Romeo led bowling lineup was stifling, allowing on average less than two runs an over.
After bowling Clunes for 106, Tom Hannett, Tom Hart and Kamaljot Romana came out all guns blazing, scoring at a run rate of 5.7 runs an over.
With Laane needing only 27 more runs for first innings points, it will be interesting to see if the hosts allow their batters to get their eye in ahead of finals or if Laane keeps their torrid tempo going and gives their bowlers a chance at an outright victory.
Hannett and Romana, who will return to the crease on 32 and 25 respectively, certainly have the tools to keep that blazing pace going, sitting first and third in the run-scoring charts this season.
Hannett has particularly been dangerous in the two-day format, scoring 262 runs in three innings with two magnificent centuries.
Laane also boasts a plethora of aggressive batters chomping at the bit to get some time in the middle on Saturday.
Alex Cook has added his name to a talented list of elite international recruits with his play this season and will look to replicate his unbeaten 116 against Clunes in round five if counted upon.
While he hasn’t been as productive with the bat this season compared to 2023/24, young gun Joe Lovel will look to build off his performance with the ball, registering five maidens from nine overs, and make a statement with the bat ahead of finals.
Entering their final game of the regular season, the Magpies will be keen not to lie down against their 2023/24 grand final opponents.
While Hannett and Romana were motoring down the tracks, Brad Stevenson provided some detours for the pair to navigate, conceding only 16 runs from five overs which included a maiden.
After taking figures of 3/53 against Carisbrook last round, Ingram will continue to ask questions of Laane’s vaunted batting lineup.
Faced in a similar situation against Colts Phelans in round 10, the Magpies fought hard to the very end, denying the Colts an outright victory with one of their better batting performances of the season.