Sport
9 March, 2023
Top four all changes ahead of last round of A reserve before finals
Wholesale changes were made to the top four of A reserve last week, with all four positions changing as a result of a big weekend of cricket. MKM V NATTE YALLOCK The Mill can breathe a sigh of relief, having made a return to the winners list thanks...
Wholesale changes were made to the top four of A reserve last week, with all four positions changing as a result of a big weekend of cricket.
MKM V NATTE YALLOCK
The Mill can breathe a sigh of relief, having made a return to the winners list thanks to a 21-run victory over Natte Yallock.
MKM were looking good in the early stages, as Craig Horner’s 37 and Lewis Patten’s 22 helped guide them to 1/63, but three quick wickets for just one run helped spark a bit of a collapse, and were only able to muster 39 more runs to be bowled out for 102 with one ball remaining in their innings.
Stephen Ross was the Swans’ best bowler, taking 3/20, while Zac Mortlock (2/11 off eight) and Alan Streeter (2/25 off eight) also took multiple wickets.
In response, the Mill were able to take a steady stream of wickets in the early stages, but the Swans still looked reasonably comfortable at 4/67, with Zac Mortlock leading the way with 32 runs.
But Bradley Reeves’ introduction into the attack changed the trajectory of the game, and he was able to take five wickets to help seal victory for MKM, as he vaulted to the top of the bowling charts with 5/18 off eight overs, as Natte Yallock were rolled for 81.
TALBOT V CLUNES
Talbot moved up to third position on the A reserve ladder courtesy of a 26-run victory over Clunes.
Talbot were able to weather the early loss of Karl Gunther with the score on five with two big partnerships, with the second wicket between Jye Kenden (33) and Isaac Vlcek (16) yielding 43 runs, while the sixth-wicket partnership between Jack Kenden (42) and Jorde Bux (50) yielded 62 runs as Talbot were eventually able to finish their innings on 8/190.
Paul Coon led the way with 3/31 off eight overs, while Mark Jenkin took 2/24 to be the Magpies other multiple wicket-taker.
In response, the Magpies were able to get off to a good start when they were able to put on 43 for the first wicket, but the Yabbies were soon able to take charge, taking four wickets for just 21 runs to leave the Magpies reeling on 4/64. Two further wickets for just 16 runs left Clunes 6/80, and the game virtually over.
Rajitha Perera’s 48 provided some handy resistance for the Magpies, but it was Talbot’s day as they were able to restrict Clunes to 8/164 from their 40 overs.
Vlcek led the way with the ball, taking 2/18, while Ryan Kenden took 2/26.
COLTS PHELANS V MARYBOROUGH
Maryborough took out the local derby, and with it, Colts’ hold on top spot, thanks to a seven-wicket victory.
The pairing of Peter Egan (21) and Sebastian Borg (25) got Colts off to a good start when they were able to put on 51 for the first wicket, and with David Forde putting 37 runs on the board, Colts were able to look comfortable at 3/125 before finishing their innings on 7/160.
Craig Jennings led the way with the ball for Maryborough, taking 2/14, while Troy Hubble took 2/20. Bradey Tranter also took multiple wickets, finishing with 2/31.
In response, Mitch McClure guided the Owls to their total, scoring an unbeaten 103, while Jake Postle added 32, as they reached 3/161 with 68 balls to spare.
Dayne Baker was Colts’ best bowler, finishing with 1/21 off eight overs.
BEAUFORT V CARISBROOK
Carisbrook took a dominant 230-run victory in Leigh Koop’s 300th game which saw them vault to the top of the table.
While the Crows started well by restricting Brook to 2/36 early, the new ladder-leaders soon turned the wick up, adding 189 more runs without loss. Dean Nalder top scored with 93, but was the first batsman to be dismissed in the 90s this season, while William Coutts (63 not out) and Martin Mark (59 retired not out) also provided a big contribution on the scorecard.
Harry Grant was Beaufort’s best bowler, taking 2/33 off seven overs.
In response, only Nick Stabbins was able to provide some resistance with the bat for Beaufort, top-scoring with 33 as the Crows were rolled for 50.
Cole Harris took 3/8 off eight overs, while James Adam contributed with 3/10 from eight.
ROUND 15
It’s the final round of A reserve cricket, with the minor premiership battle still unresolved.
Talbot have secured third place thanks to Laanecoorie Dunolly’s forfeit, while Clunes will have to settle for fourth unless they can take a big win against Colts Phelans.
Carisbrook only have to match Colts’ result to secure the minor premiership, and will look to ensure they seal it in style when they play Avoca.
Natte Yallock will look to bounce back when they host Beaufort at Natte Yallock Oval, while Maryborough and MKM will be looking for a good finish to the season when they meet at Princes Park.
