Sport
30 January, 2026
Owls hope to finally return to Princes Park nest
Maryborough’s prolonged wait for a Princes Park homecoming will hopefully come to an end tomorrow when they take on Beaufort in a rescheduled one-day encounter.
As current forecasts predict temperatures to remain scorching heading into the weekend, it’s likely the MDCA’s heat policy could force this contest to be abandoned entirely.
If the game does commence as planned, a hard-fought battle is expected to grace the upgraded Princes Park pitches as both teams have had an extra week stewing on disappointing losses in round 11.
With the day’s play in Mary-borough cancelled, some of the Bulls’ A grade regulars filled in for Beaufort Blue in A reserve, with many playing a substantial role in defeating ladder-leaders Avoca.
Chief among them was A grade club leading run-scorer Jarrod Blandford, who dazzled with a 100-ball century that included 12 fours and three sixes.
Lyle Aichroth received a much-needed confidence boost in that encounter with an unbeaten 22, while the talented Jayden Scotland continues to get his eye in after returning from overseas, taking 1/35 from seven overs.
The trio’s performances are encouraging signs for a team that needs all the points they can get as they attempt to fend off Carisbrook and Clunes for the last finals spot.
As for Maryborough, they will look to regain some momentum following numerous disruptions to their schedule around the holiday interval.
Despite a recent hiccup against neighbours Colts Phelans, the Owls have firmly secured their nest inside the top four. However, improvements are needed if Maryborough is to end its A grade return with a premiership.
While Oliver Bennett and Martin Dell have been exceptional this season at the top of the order, only Ben Hoban and Alex Burrow have also scored 100 runs in 2025/26, giving the Owls the fewest batters in the competition to surpass triple digits this campaign.
That isn’t to say there isn’t game-changing talent in their lineup, with reigning A reserve Cricketer of the Year Jason Hunt and Mitch McClure producing key knocks during the one-day season.
An abundance of depth is less of an issue with a bowling attack currently headlined by emerging duo Jasper Trickey and Oliver Cassidy, combining to collect 25 of Maryborough’s 67 breakthroughs.
Hunt has also been destructive with 10 wickets at a startling average of 13.5, while Elliot Ashburn will look to recapture his impressive early-season form with no wickets in his last three matches.