Sport
24 October, 2025
Colts, Carisbrook brace for final replay
In a rematch of last season’s gripping Grand Final, Colts Phelans will take on Carisbrook at Carisbrook Recreation Reserve in a potentially tantalising match.
After a valuable 63 from Wayne Stubbings allowed them to set a target of 227, the Colts brought home a long-awaited premiership with a 35-run victory over Carisbrook back in March, thanks to a six-wicket haul from Man of the Match Ben Evans.
Despite both teams making the season finale last year, their 2025/26 campaigns have started on opposite paths, with the Colts surging out to a 2-0 start while Carisbrook currently possess an inverse record of 0-2.
Following their strong bowling performance against Beaufort in round one, it was the Colts’ batting lineup that stood up against Maryborough, chasing down 216 with seven wickets to spare.
The Colts’ aggressive recruiting drive over the offseason has already paid dividends, as they look poised to make another run at the premiership this season.
A 132-run partnership between recruits Josh Collinson and Tarkyn Balzan got the Colts out of a tricky situation early in their batting innings.
Even after Collinson was dismissed to end a sublime innings at 86, Balzan was joined by fellow newcomer Asim Akhtar to finish the job, with Balzan and Akhtar ending unbeaten on 67 and 35 respectively.
With two away matches to open their campaign, Carisbrook will hope a dose of home-field advantage can turn their fortunes around against a team who have only played at Hedges Oval so far this season.
There are several bright spots for Carisbrook to build upon following their defeat to Laanecoorie Dunolly, with rising stars Cooper Mark and Elliot Cullinan displaying some sharp bowling and Jordan Hooper slashing through Laane’s vaunted bowling attack to make an unbeaten 72.
For Carisbrook to avenge their heartbreaking Grand Final loss, they will need to restrict the run rate more regularly after conceding 408 runs over their first two games, higher than any other team in the competition.
With the Colts winning the last five meetings between these two teams, a victory would be a massive confidence boost for Carisbrook as they look to get their season on track.