Sport
8 November, 2024
Second place on the line for Colts and Crows
The chance to move into second place is on the line for both Beaufort and Colts Phelans when the two teams meet at Goldfields Reserve.
Beaufort had a setback last week when Laanecoorie Dunolly took care of them by 107 runs, but will hope to bounce back this time around and continue to show they’re a contender this season.
After all, it was the one-day meeting last season against Colts at Hedges Oval where the Crows broke through to end a losing run which had stretched back over a season, with an unforgettable Lachlan Oddie knock helping them break through.
Oddie was unavailable on Saturday — undoubtedly a massive blow against the ladder-leaders, yet to show some competitive signs at times suggests they may be closer than the result last week suggested.
From a bowling perspective, Jayden Scotland continued his good start to life at Beaufort, taking three wickets from his eight overs, while Thomas Alexander currently sits equal top of the bowlers, taking two more to take his tally to seven for the season.
Ben Grant has continued his upward trajectory, and continues to be a threat with the ball, taking four wickets so far, while Joel Pymer would be a welcome inclusion after taking three wickets against Carisbrook two weeks ago.
With the bat, there was a theme across a majority of the top order in that Kriss Ellis, Alexander and Thomas Grant were able to get starts, but were unable to go on with it last Saturday.
Joe Kingsbury top-scored last week with a very solid 28, and will be hoping to provide some more quality middle-order hitting, alongside taking more wickets as he continues to build into the season.
Ellis and Grant have had solid starts to the season, while Alexander is starting to find his feet with the bat, and it will be intriguing to see how they fare against what is an even Colts’ bowling lineup.
In particular, Nick Henderson is bowling incredibly consistantly again, restricting his opposition to just 2.7 runs per over so far this season, and indeed, Colts currently have three bowlers — Max Jackson and Dayne Baker being the other two — who have kept their run rate to under four an over to start the season.
Ben Evans and Regan Goundry have both taken three wickets apiece to ensure that they are also benefitting from the pressure being put on by their bowling attack.
With the bat, it feels like a matter of time before one of their three English recruits delivers a big score, having shown early promise.
Charlie Scorer delivered in round one with an unbeaten 52, while with their bye last week, had the opportunity to get his eye in at A reserve level and finished on an unbeaten 71.
Jackson previously scored 95 in A reserve against Talbot, and looked good in his 38 against Carisbrook.
At the top of the order, Rhys Egan has been a constant threat, scoring at a terrific strike rate and ensuring that Colts are able to get starts, having scored 65 runs in his two knocks at the crease so far this season.