Sport
17 March, 2026
Maryborough makes quick work of Clunes
It only took Maryborough an extra three overs on day two to complete their regular season with an eight-wicket victory over Clunes.
Starting the day unbeaten on four and 18 respectively, Ben Hoban and Liam Radlof went into turbo mode immediately at Princes Park, scoring the 27 runs required for victory in the blink of an eye with five boundaries in just 14 deliveries.
With the result not affecting the final standings for either team, the two sides elected to call the game there, with Maryborough claiming first innings points.
Thanks to an impressive bowling display and a belting half-century from Mitch McClure, the Owls entered day two in a dominant position, which was only strengthened by Radlof.
Facing Brenton Jones and Dylan Davies, Radlof went off with three boundaries, including a four and a six of back-to-back Davies deliveries to finish unbeaten on a run a ball 32.
Meanwhile, Hoban finished an exceptionally consistent regular season with a knock of 12 not out, hitting the winning runs off Jones in the 25th over.
With no wickets falling on day two, Ahmed Rehman ended with leading figures of 2/10 from six overs for the Magpies.
Maryborough will now turn its attention to playing its first A grade final since 2023, where it will take on the reigning premiers in Colts Phelans for a spot in the Grand Final.
Despite a three-year hiatus, there is a sense of familiarity surrounding this semi-final encounter, as the Owls played their last A grade final against the Colts in a losing effort.
Even with a five-wicket haul from current Laane all-rounder Sam Bartlett and an exceptional century from McClure, Maryborough fell 24 runs short of Colts 8/232 led by now Colts captain Rhys Wagstaff’s 63 and 4/47 from Wayne Stubbings.
The Colts have continued to have Maryborough’s number this campaign, winning all three regular season contests in 2025/26, including a commanding eight-wicket victory in their last meeting back in round 11.