Sport
25 January, 2024
Owls with big task ahead of them
Maryborough’s young brigade will be hoping for a batting boost as they look to chase down 276 runs against Clunes. Last week continued what has been a rough start in the field for the Owls, having now conceded 577 runs across both of their two-day...
Maryborough’s young brigade will be hoping for a batting boost as they look to chase down 276 runs against Clunes.
Last week continued what has been a rough start in the field for the Owls, having now conceded 577 runs across both of their two-day games against Laanecoorie Dunolly and the Magpies.
But there were still some excellent signs from the younger brigade who continue to show they aren’t exactly overawed by the situation.
Last week, Lachie Condie put forward one of the best individual bowling performances of the season, collecting five wickets for just 25 runs in 11 overs, a spell which included six maidens.
He joined fellow youngster Jasper Trickey as the only Owls to boast a five-wicket haul this season, while also being one of just six players to achieve the mark.
There’s no doubt however that the Owls will need to have their batting order boosted tomorrow if they stand to be any chance of chasing down their target.
If the Owls can regain Tom Hart and Mitch McClure, their top order looks a lot more settled and has the ability to score bulk runs, and while the likes of Sam Thomson, Condie and Trickey haven’t made big scores yet, they’ve shown an attentive eye at the crease that belies their level of experience.
McClure, for his part, enjoyed a stellar knock in the corresponding two-day clash last season, scoring 132, and if right to go for Saturday, he’ll look to be a handful once again for the Magpies.
But all of that’s before you consider the form of the Magpies strike attack at the moment.
Lachlan Morganti has had a great time of things in the recent past, having collected eight wickets in his last game against Carisbrook, while also bowling well for the MDCA in their Sharp Shield clash against Grenville, taking two wickets.
Add in the likes of Ash Gunn, Jaxon Smyth and Brett Coon, who have combined for 28 wickets this season, and there’s plenty of power in Clunes’ bowling attack which suggests they’ll be confident of snaring their second straight two-day win to start the season.
Indeed, a number of Clunes players were able to show their wares last week on the bigger stage of the Sharp Shield, as well as on day one.
Jude McGuire has been in terrific form both with the willow and behind the stumps in recent times, and scored 68 to mark his second consecutive A grade half century.
Mitch Coppick is another who has enjoyed a stellar season, and is now third in the batting stocks thanks to another great knock of 64, representing his fourth half-century of the season — one of three players to achieve this mark, alongside Laane duo Luke Smith and Tom Hannett.
It was also his second straight half-century against Maryborough in the two-day format, having also led the way with 57 runs last season.
Either way, look for the Magpies to cement themselves as a genuine two-day challenger if they can secure another positive result.