Sport
26 January, 2023
Twists and turns as A reserve returns for season restart
It was an intriguing weekend of twists and turns in A reserve, with some surprising plot twists shaking up the ladder. Colts Phelans took top spot at Carisbrook’s expense thanks to a six wicket victory over Natte Yallock. While the Swans started...
It was an intriguing weekend of twists and turns in A reserve, with some surprising plot twists shaking up the ladder.
Colts Phelans took top spot at Carisbrook’s expense thanks to a six wicket victory over Natte Yallock.
While the Swans started well enough, with Stephen Ross, Andrew Morgan and Lachlan Cameron scoring 15, 18 and 22 respectively, a significant batting collapse towards the end of their innings meant that they were only able to finish on 8/88 off their 40 overs.
Harrison Kurzke was the star, with the young bowler taking 4/9 off eight overs, including three maidens. Ethan Chaplin was another who bowled well, finishing with the figures of 3/20 off seven overs.
In response, with Colts having the bye in A grade, it was a chance for Rhys Egan to keep himself sharp for the pointy end of the two-day season, and he didn’t let his team down, scoring 39, with Luke Baker also contributing with 38, as Colts were able to chase down their target in just 15.1 overs for the loss of four wickets.
Tate Williams was Natte’s best bowler, finishing with 2/22.
Carisbrook can consider themselves very unlucky to lose top spot on the ladder, having been unable to finish their game with Talbot thanks to a freak storm which hit the ground with just 20 more runs required to chase down the Yabbies’ total of 134.
Earlier, Jack Kenden made 29 and Isaac Vlcek made 24 to give the Yabbies some hope, while James Adam did some significant damage in the middle order to finish with 3/41 off eight overs, while Cooper Mark took 2/14 off five overs.
However, a strong batting performance from Martin Mark, who made 29, as well as William Coutts, who was not out on 30, was all in vain when the storm hit the ground, and play was unable to be resumed.
Clunes also moved into contention for a top two spot, yet there was frustration for the Magpies as for a second consecutive game, they had won via forfeit, with Maryborough unable to field a team.
There was better news for Avoca, who vaulted into the top four courtesy of a 10-wicket victory over Beaufort.
The Crows put in a good effort considering that the Bulldogs had bowled them out for 29 just prior to the break, instead surprising them with an aggressive approach which saw Harrison Grant top score with 26, while Kolby Haley was impressive in the lower order with 18.
But in response, openers Mathew Drummond and Nathan Holland did not take any chances, with Drummond finishing on 65 not out and Holland on 27 not out as they were able to finish on 0/96 in their 16 overs.
Despite not taking any wickets, Daniel Quixley bowled well for Beaufort without luck, finishing with figures of 0/6 off four overs.
MKM moved to within touching distance of the top four thanks to a 10 wicket win against Laanecoorie Dunolly.
With player unavailability hurting Laane, they fielded a lineup full of younger players to ensure they would field a team, which was appreciated by the MKM cohort.
However, it also meant that MKM had an opportunity to build their percentage for their fight to make finals, and so bowled Laane out for 12 runs.
Matthew Bourke finished with figures of 3/0 off 1.2 overs, while Tristan Tack took 2/7 off five.
Nick Earl top scored for Laane with eight runs.
In response, Craig Horner and Lewis Patten cleaned up the target of 13 quickly, doing so in five overs. Horner finished unbeaten on 10 to lead the way.
It leads to an interesting week of cricket ahead, with Carisbrook looking to keep their hopes of finishing minor premiers alive as they take on finals aspirant MKM at Mr Mobility Oval.
Likewise, Colts Phelans will be looking to keep their own minor premiership hopes in tact as they travel to Talbot to take on the Yabbies.
Clunes will be hoping to finally get back out on the park for the first time since early December when they play Laanecoorie Dunolly at Bull Millgate Oval.
Avoca’s top-four status will be challenged by Natte Yallock at Avoca Recreation Reserve, with the Swans beating the Bulldogs in their earlier clash this season.
Finally, Maryborough will host Beaufort at Jubilee Oval, as the Owls look to keep alive their own top-four chances, despite their forfeit last week.
