Sport
24 October, 2025
Newcomers Maryborough set to host Clunes
The upcoming battle of the birds is of notable significance for the Maryborough Owls and Clunes Magpies, as both teams look to establish themselves as A grade finals contenders.
Maryborough has impressed in their return to A grade so far, with a win against Carisbrook and a close defeat against the reigning premiers, Colts Phelans.
The Owls’ strong start to life back in A grade has been powered by their batting lineup, which boasts a plethora of difference-makers.
After openers Ben Hoban and Oliver Bennett got Maryborough over the line against Carisbrook, their middle order, led by Martin Dell and Jason Hunt, helped the Owls set a target of 216 against the Colts.
However, their hard work with the willow was undone as they couldn’t generate consistent breakthroughs during the Colts’ response, with Hunt, Dell and Alex Burrow all taking one wicket each.
The Owls will look to recapture their clinical bowling against the Magpies, who have also shown glimpses of their threatening potential, especially in their previous outing against Beaufort, which ended in defeat.
With the ball, the return of Sam Williams, who took 3/45 against the Bulls, could give the Magpies a dangerous fast bowling trio to build their attack around alongside Noah Davies and Brett Coon, who have combined to take nine wickets in the first two rounds.
While 2023/24 Team of the Year member and second top run scorer Mitch Coppick looked in fine form, giving his team a chance of completing their run chase with an impressive 46, Clunes will be keen to get more out of their talented bats as the season progresses after scoring a competition worst 279 runs across their first two innings.
Clunes have fond memories of their last A grade encounter with Maryborough, dating back to January 2024, declaring at 9/275 with fifties from Coppick, Jude McGuire and Mark Allen before bowling the Owls for 36 and 57 in a dominant two-day performance.