Sport
3 March, 2026
Bulls survive, but can’t bridge Laane gap
A valiant 99-run partnership from Jarrod Blandford and Brandon Walsh allowed Beau-fort to bat out day two, but Laanecoorie Dunolly ensured their first innings victory was never threatened, winning by 127 runs.
Despite the defeat, the Bulls will be pleased with their batting performance on Saturday, headlined by another Blandford half-century and captain Walsh hitting a season-high 77.
However, Laane’s persistent bowling attack led by Joe Lovel and Alex Cook didn’t allow the Bulls to gain any substantial ground on their mammoth day one total of 326, restricting the hosts to a run rate of 2.6.
The visitors welcomed back a familiar face on day two, with Zac Graham making his season debut after taking a Laane leading 22 wickets in 2024/25 at an average of just 12.45.
Graham’s return didn’t spark a change to Laane’s proven starting bowling tandem, but Josh Fitzpatrick and Sam Bartlett were unable to break through the opening partnership of Blandford and Charlie Dyer.
Thrust into an opening role for the second time this season, Dyer was proving to be a fine compliment to Blandford, showcasing patience with his shot selection while Blandford settled into an almost effortless run-scoring groove.
Even as the Bulls’ opening partnership continued to grow, Laane wasn’t overly concerned, as their bowlers were producing pristine economy rates.
Then, almost from a moment of nothing, Cook served the opening wicket, running out Charlie Dyer for a hard-fought 21.
With Beaufort now 1/71, Walsh came to the crease and survived until the break alongside Blandford.
The pairing continued to show exceptional form after the interval, albeit well below the required run rate.
With Blandford astonishingly making his sixth A grade half-century in just nine knocks, Walsh was determined to reach the same milestone despite facing some exceptional spin bowling from Amar Ullah and Cook.
Walsh did get his 50, but Cook ended the long-standing partnership by bowling Blandford, ending his innings on 80 after hitting 10 fours.
The new man in Isaac Jantzen quickly joined Blandford back in the changerooms, castled by Lovel for one.
With the final result virtually a formality, wickets began to tumble as Bulls batters attempted to be more expansive.
Harrison Grant saw a Cook delivery crash into his stumps for five before Lovel trapped Lachlan Oddie with an LBW dismissal for a duck.
In his first spell in A grade this season, resident wicketkeeper Lachie Condie ended a fine innings by Walsh for 77 when Beaufort’s captain was caught by Matt Smith.
Kriss Ellis and Lyle Aichroth ended Beaufort’s innings not out with one run each, but Laane secured the six points ahead of their blockbuster clash with Colts Phelans starting this weekend.
In a complete Laane bowling performance, Lovel and Cook led the charge with figures of 2/29 and 2/34 respectively.