Sport
2 February, 2023
Laane look to keep unbeaten record intact at Clunes
Laanecoorie Dunolly travel to Clunes over the next fortnight in a game of contrasting priorities for both teams. For Laane, it’s a chance to maintain their unbeaten run, now stretching over 26 rounds without defeat stemming back to November 20...
Laanecoorie Dunolly travel to Clunes over the next fortnight in a game of contrasting priorities for both teams.
For Laane, it’s a chance to maintain their unbeaten run, now stretching over 26 rounds without defeat stemming back to November 20, 2021, while Clunes will be looking to break away from Beaufort in the race for the last finals spot.
Clunes will be looking to come out with fire in the belly after having their game against Maryborough ripped away from them last Saturday.
After making a solid 193 runs, the Magpies were unable to get the key wickets required early on the second day’s play, and were made to pay by Mitch McClure, who made a brilliant 132 to guide the Owls to 4/260.
The Magpies’ inability to break up partnerships has remained a concern this season, having conceded a partnership of 93 runs or more for four consecutive games now.
Pleasingly for the Magpies, at least they have shown that there has been gains made, particularly with their batting, having scored at a good rate early on, and building some solid partnerships in the process.
On their home deck, however, they will be looking for a strong bowling performance to trouble the unbeaten champs.
With Laane’s current form, however, that seems to be easier said than done.
Samit Gohil added his second century of the season in a whirlwind innings last week, scoring 101 in the space of just 36 overs, while Matt Smith’s 50 ensured that Laane now join Maryborough in having a league-leading four players who have registered half-centuries in the competition this season.
Furthermore, their all-round game means they are hard pressed to find a point of weakness. Benjamin Gunn, Joe Lovel and Gohil are in the top 10 wicket-takers for the season, taking a combined 37 wickets, while Daniel Romeo is just outside the top 10 in 11th.
They will have been a little disappointed not to emulate Colts Phelans’ efforts against Beaufort a fortnight earlier by taking an outright victory against the Crows, but it also guides the way for Clunes to show what a competitive effort can provide against Laane.
For their part, Laane will be looking to emulate their efforts in the one-day clash between these two teams earlier in the year, when they were able to club a staggering 3/270 in 40 overs.
On that day, Gohil (104) scored his maiden century for the club, while Tom Hannett (70) and Gunn (50 not out) also laid some significant ground work.
In response, Clunes were unable to get a significant foothold in the chase, bowled out for 137. Brendan Ingram (38) and Jude McGuire (30 not out) were their better performers with the bat.