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Sport

16 November, 2023

Must-win for both Owls and Brook

Maryborough and Carisbrook face off at Princes Park tomorrow in what looks to be a fascinating matchup. Thanks to a 45-run victory over Colts Phelans, the Owls have vaulted up to third on the ladder in the one-day standings, while Carisbrook have...

By Michael Thompson

Must-win for both Owls and Brook - feature photo

Maryborough and Carisbrook face off at Princes Park tomorrow in what looks to be a fascinating matchup.

Thanks to a 45-run victory over Colts Phelans, the Owls have vaulted up to third on the ladder in the one-day standings, while Carisbrook have now dropped down to fifth courtesy of a second consecutive loss, this time to Beaufort.

Maryborough were finally able to get their batting balance right last week, and delivered with the highest score of the season in A grade with their 263 for the loss of just two wickets.

Much of that came through the bat of Tom Hart, whose aggressive style paid dividends in the best possible way, breaking through for his first A grade century for the Owls.

A much-needed 88 from Mitch McClure has also helped, shaking off a run of starts without converting to a big score.

As a result, the duo are now both in the top 10 for runs scored this season, with Hart’s effort of 115 — the highest of the A grade season so far — moving him all the way up to third in the run-scoring charts, behind Beaufort’s Lachlan Oddie and Laanecoorie Dunolly’s Luke Smith.

The Owls also had their best bowling performance in terms of wicket-taking since their round one clash with Colts, taking seven wickets.

Jasper Trickey continued what has been a stellar start to the season for the young spinner, taking two wickets to move to eight for the season — one of just seven players to have taken eight or more wickets.

Jacob Glen has also had solid spells this season, and finished with 1/36 off seven overs to continue his economical run, having taken five wickets of his own.

Carisbrook have now lost five consecutive games, and there’s no doubt that injuries to experienced players have hampered them.

Leigh Koop’s Achilles injury has robbed them of batting and bowling power, while Martin Mark was also injured during his innings at the crease last week.

The loss of such experience has meant more of the load has shifted onto younger players, which has been a positive.

Youngsters such as Cooper Mark, Cooper Willis and Brandon Carter have relished the added responsibility, while Lucas Hurse was another young player that got his opportunity last week.

With Mark set to miss some time at the crease, a lot rests on the shoulders of Dean Nalder, while Cole Harris got some runs on the board last week with 34.

In the T20 meeting between both teams in round two, Maryborough were unable to stop Carisbrook from a powerful start, eventually finishing on 9/98, with Bradey Tranter posting a top score of 45.

In response, Carisbrook cruised to the target, with Martin scoring 59 runs as they won with 29 balls to spare.

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