Sport
18 March, 2025
Taylor, Rogers lead the Colts to grand final
Wonderful performances from Graham Taylor and Grant Rogers have steered Colts Phelans into the A reserve grand final after defeating Talbot by 105 runs.
Looking to make the most of the pitch at Carisbrook Recreation Reserve, Colts Phelans decided to bat first after winning the toss.
Openers Aaron Balzan and Taylor made that decision look very wise, combining for a 56-run partnership before Kaian Constable got the opening breakthrough, removing Balzan for 32.
David Forde joined Taylor in the middle to keep the Colts rampant start moving, with the pair combining to add another 86 runs to the total.
Ryan Kenden managed to reel in the big fish of Taylor, finishing a dazzling innings at 61 and Forde joined him in the changerooms soon thereafter for 28, dismissed by Talbot captain Anton Roche.
Talbot did a remarkable job of limiting the damage from the Colts’ middle order, with Roche’s Anton and Lachlan managing to get the Colts to 6/186.
Some late hitting from Daniel McGregor and Peter Egan added some important insurance runs, as the Colts finished their 40 overs on 7/218.
Taylor’s 61 was the top score of the innings, while Anton Roche (2/27 off four overs), Constable (2/33 off six overs) and Lachlan Roche (2/38 off four overs) all claimed two wickets.
The Yabbies were looking for a fast start to get them back into the game, but McGregor and Tate Williams had other ideas, removing openers Ryan Kenden and Jorde Bux to have Talbot in immediate trouble at 2/7.
Jack Kenden and Constable aimed to rebound Talbot from their poor start, but they were soon gone as well with Kenden dismissed by Forde for 14 and Constable falling victim to Kane Shepherd for 11.
With the Yabbies in all sorts at 4/37, Karl Gunther and Lachlan Roche started to breathe some life into the run chase with a 35-run partnership.
However, the match turned into the Rogers show, as he dismissed the last six batters to hand the Colts a grand final ticket and finish on 6/20 from six overs.
Gunther and Lachlan Roche tied for the top score, each making 24.