Sport
23 December, 2025
MDCA one-day Grand Final — captain's say
Saturday’s white-ball finale was extra special for reigning Ken Gibbs medallist Tom Hannett, winning his first premiership as Laanecoorie Dunolly captain.
Hannett took the reigns of a team reeling from a shocking two-day semi-final upset against Carisbrook that prematurely ended their 2024/25 season.
Now having already bounced back to premiership glory with their fifth consecutive one-day flag, Hannett said Saturday’s win instills confidence that his team can regain their two-day crown.
“I think it’s just a really good reminder that we are a quality side and we can play quality cricket,” he said.
“It’s a really good thing to take into the second half of the season, these are always nice to be a part of and nice to win these games, but our sole focus from here on and the main focus for the whole season has been that two-day competition.”
Hannett faced an interesting conundrum after winning the toss at Bryants Oval, electing to have a bowl first and chase down the Colts’ target.
“We walked out there and it looked a belter, but we know out here it typically gets quicker in the outfield and on the pitch after the first innings,” Hannett said.
“The two times we played them, the side chasing got the wood over the other and both sides seem to like to chase, so I think we were a lot more comfortable winning that toss.”
Hannett’s decision looked very fruitful when Sam Bartlett delivered a double blow to the Colts by dismissing Rhys Wagstaff and Josh Collinson in the fourth over.
Despite their precarious position, Asim Akhtar and Tarkyn Balzan fought back for the Colts, beginning to challenge Laane as a few mistakes started to creep up in the field.
With the Colts rebuilding to 2/83 at the drinks break, Hannett said the interval was the perfect time to refocus and regroup.
“All credit to them, that little period after losing a couple of quick wickets, they really bounced back well and they took the game to us and started to get on top,” he said.
“We went into the rooms and said from here we have got to go back to our plans, go back to the way we play, set fields that stop the boundaries, make them run every run, just simple stuff like that to get us back in the game.
“We were able to sort of nullify that boundary ball, which probably let us into a situation where we had to chase 30 or 40 runs less than what we were expecting.
“I think our spinners (Alex Cook and Nafis Shaikh) did a really good job today, they played the pitch so well.
“There probably wasn’t much option to grip and rip like they traditionally get, but they just bowled smart with the fields out, I thought they really brought us back into it.”
With Laane’s attack conceding just four boundaries in the last 10 overs, the Colts were restricted to 7/186 after their 40 overs.
While arguably in a favourable position, Laane have suffered from noticeable collapses against the Colts this season, falling to 5/89 in their one-wicket win back in round five and were 6/67 during their round eight defeat.
Hannett ensured his team wouldn’t face a similar scenario on Saturday, contributing to a 99-run opening partnership alongside Tom Hart, who was named best on ground after smashing 82 from 72 balls.
“His last two weeks have been phenomenal. I don’t think there is anyone in the league when he’s firing that’s more destructive,” Hannett said of Hart.
“He’s just so good when he’s flying, it’s really good for me just to sit down the other end, get off strike and allow him to dictate the game.”
Hannett, who scored a well-made 29 before being run out by Wagstaff, and Hart’s opening stand set the stage for what Hannett believes is one of Laane’s most complete innings this season, chasing down 186 inside 30 overs.
“Coming up against a side like the Colts, you have to be on,” Hannett said.
“Having an innings where we have just controlled the tempo, it just shows what we can do in this short form and take that into the long form as well.
“It’s also just nice to win these things to have a little reminder throughout the season that you are right up there and you can compete for the two-day premiership.”