Sport
7 March, 2024
Big two-day clash between Beaufort and Clunes
The potential fate of the finishing order of the remainder of the top four hinges on this game, with Beaufort and Clunes set to do battle. Beaufort’s ascension from winless wooden spooners last season to two-day finalists this season has been...
The potential fate of the finishing order of the remainder of the top four hinges on this game, with Beaufort and Clunes set to do battle.
Beaufort’s ascension from winless wooden spooners last season to two-day finalists this season has been quite the watch, especially given that they spent the first half of the season entirely on the road.
Had Beaufort been able to finish their game against Maryborough two weeks ago, it’s likely that they would have been in the box seat to claim first innings points, but they’ll now look to channel this game as an opportunity to give themselves a good test of where they sit prior to the finals.
The Crows have had a number of performers with both bat and ball ready to step up.
Of course, Lachlan Oddie will be one to watch. The heart and soul of the Crows in what’s undoubtedly been an emotional time for his town will be fired up to perform like he has all season long, having scored 383 runs at an average of 38.3 with the bat, while taking a league-leading 26 wickets at 11.4, while also giving up just 2.8 runs an over.
Having also scored above 200 runs for the season, Jack Smith and Kriss Ellis will also be names to watch with the bat, while Joe Kingsbury will also provide good support with both bat and ball, averaging 26.8 and 23.8 respectively.
For the Magpies, a lot of their good work with the bat has been improved even more in recent weeks, with Mitch Coppick moving into the top three in the competition for runs with 449 at an average of 49.9 thanks to a brilliant unbeaten century against Colts Phelans, while Mark Allen’s 76 moved him into 11th in the league at the conclusion of round 14.
Lachlan Morganti’s 50 was his first of the season, and backs up what’s been a stunning two-day season with the ball.
Morganti, incredibly, has bowled 58 of his 74 overs this season since round 11 and with great effect, sitting on 21 wickets for the season at an average of 7.4, while only conceding a spellbounding 2.1 runs an over, and will again be crucial to Clunes’ hopes of a win, as will Jaxon Smyth, who has taken 19 wickets at an average of 16.6.
With a win, the Magpies will book themselves a home final, and would have the opportunity to give them-selves the best platform to also try to book a spot in the grand final at Princes Park in a month’s time.