Sport
12 December, 2025
Laane prepares for Magpies test
Clunes will be keen to throw a wrench in Laanecoorie Dunolly’s one-day Grand Final preparations when the two teams meet at Bull Millgate Oval.
With their match against Maryborough abandoned due to wet weather last weekend, Laane have been forced to stew on their final ball defeat to Colts Phelans a fortnight ago.
That washout, combined with the Colts’ five-wicket victory over the Magpies on Saturday, allowed Laane’s one-day Grand Final opponents to draw level on points atop the MDCA’s A grade ladder.
The reigning one-day premiers will aim for a return to their dominant best before competing for their fifth consecutive one-day premiership against the team they defeated for the 2021/22 crown in Clunes.
Several players from both teams remain from that season finale, with Brenton Jones, Mark Allen, Mitch Coppick and Brendan Ingram still key fixtures for the Magpies, while Joe Lovel and Matt Smith continue to be pillars for Laane.
Someone who had barely begun his senior cricket career in 2021/22 is teenager Brett Coon, who’s quickly blossomed into a vital piece for the Magpies’ present and future.
In Clunes’ aforementioned defeat to Colts, Coon produced his grandest A grade knock to date, hitting a brilliant 50 with five fours and a six.
The promising youngster has also played a role in the Magpies greatly improved bowling attack that has been comparable to Laane’s lineup so far this season, which is no small feat.
Clunes have already taken 14 more wickets than last season, in large part to MDCA leading wicket-taker Noah Davies, who already has 20 breakthroughs in 2025/26 with a startling average of 11.35.
After taking 10 wickets across A grade and A reserve last season, Davies’ rapid emergence began when he nearly helped Clunes defend 107 back in round one against Laane with a devastating spell of 3/28.
Laane managed to recover in time to start their campaign with a victory, capitalising on an excellent bowling display from Lovel, Josh Fitzpatrick and Alex Cook, who led the way with 4/13 and two maidens.