Sport
17 October, 2025
Maryborough rivalry returns to A grade
For the first time in over 18 months, inter-town rivals Maryborough and Colts Phelans will meet in the MDCA’s premier competition.
The Owls and Colts started their 2025/26 campaign with victories against Carisbrook and Beaufort respectively, with their offseason additions making a noticeable impact.
After a strong bowling performance led by UK import Elliot Ashburn, who took 3/19, fellow recruit Oliver Bennett was crucial to Maryborough chasing down Carisbrook’s 168, patiently biding his time before cashing in with 11 boundaries late to finish with an unbeaten 78.
As for the Colts, Abdaar Ishaq, Tarkyn Balzan and Asim Akhtar all made healthy contributions with the bat, which, alongside Rhys Egan’s hard-hitting 67 off 54 balls, brought the Colts to a sturdy total of 223.
New faces Ishaq, Akhtar, Jack Gallimore and Josh Collinson combined to remove seven Beaufort batters, with Collinson ending with top figures of 3/30 to help his new team be victorious by 104 runs.
Bowling depth was a serious strength for the Colts last season, finishing as the only team to have six bowlers take nine wickets or more.
With their offseason signings already making an impact with the ball, it looks as though that strength will remain this campaign.
An ability to generate constant breakthroughs is something Maryborough will look to thrive in throughout their A grade return after conceding the fewest runs and taking the second-most wickets in A reserve last season.
Youngster Oliver Cassidy seems poised to compete at a higher level after taking two wickets versus Carisbrook, including the key scalp of Dean Nalder. At the same time, Ben Hoban was consistently sharp with the ball.
Before Saturday’s result, Maryborough’s last A grade victory came against the Colts, where an outstanding 115 from current Laanecoorie Dunolly opener Tom Hart, coupled with Mitch McClure’s 88 not out, set the stage for a 45-run victory.
The Colts won the last A grade meeting between the two sides, played on February 3 and 10, 2024, defending 183 thanks to five wickets from Dayne Baker, which limited the Owls to 160.