Sport
18 February, 2026
Clean sweep for Beaufort Cricket Club
Beaufort Cricket Club enjoyed a dominant weekend, with all three teams recording wins. The highlight was Beaufort Red’s strong victory over Avoca in the A-Reserve competition of the Maryborough and District Cricket Association.
With Beaufort Blue having already defeated Avoca this season, it was Red’s turn to take on the challenge. After winning the toss and bowling first, Beaufort dismissed Avoca for just 80 in 30 overs.
The Grant brothers starred with the ball. Ben Grant produced an outstanding spell of 4/11 from eight overs, including four maidens, while Thomas Grant claimed 2/12 from five overs, including one maiden.
In reply, Beaufort chased down the target with minimal trouble, finishing at 4/87 after 23 overs. Harrison Grant top-scored with an unbeaten 37, while opener Thomas Grant contributed 24.
For Avoca, Jedd Gay was the leading run-scorer with 16, while Cameron Holland and William Levick added 15 and 13 respectively. James Collicoat led the bowling effort with 2/17 from four overs.
Beaufort president Andrew Oddie said the young side continues to deliver.
“They are a bunch of young blokes, and when Blue defeated Avoca, there were accusations that we stacked the team, but this is the legitimate week-to-week side, and they cleaned them up on turf,” he said.
“The Grant brothers are an impressive pair of boys. Ben is right up there with the leading wicket-takers, and he is only 18, and Tom is 16. One is left-handed, and one is right-handed, so they bring a dangerous combination and will be sharp in a few years.
“I want them playing for us, not against us.”
In the other A-Reserve match, Beaufort Blue defeated Laanecoorie Dunolly by seven wickets.
Bowling first, Beaufort restricted Laanecoorie Dunolly to 8/123, with Nathan Elford (2/18), Rory Wilkinson (2/17) and Dan Quixley (2/25) leading the attack.
Beaufort chased the target down in the 30th over to finish at 3/125. Adam Miller was unbeaten on 43, while Dan Quixley finished not out on 12. Opener Noah Scofield also played well, scoring 39.
In A-Grade, Beaufort Bulls claimed first innings points in their two-day match against Colts Phelans.
After being bowled out for 125 on day one, Colts Phelans resumed at 5/52 before Beaufort dismissed them for 111.
Jayden Scofield was the pick of the bowlers with 3/30 from 15 overs, while Theo Trevelyan-Clark (3/33) and Brandon Walsh (2/17) continued their strong form.
The Bulls currently sit fourth on the ladder, equal on points with Maryborough and nine points clear of Carisbrook in fifth.
They face Laanecoorie Dunolly this week in a tough two-day clash at Goldfields Recreation Reserve, with the next four weeks proving crucial in the race for finals.
“Whatever happens this week, it will be a must-win against Carisbrook,” Oddie said.
“First and foremost, this week will be tough playing a top side that doesn’t lose very often.
“We will be barracking hard for Maryborough to defeat Carisbrook, but Carisbrook could easily clean them up, and if that happens, we could see a situation where there is three points the difference and an elimination final next round.
“The boys are feeling very confident. I am confident they can get in there and do what needs to be done.
“Once you are in the finals, it’s anyone’s game.”
Beaufort Blue and Beaufort Red will play each other tomorrow, with Oddie saying there are plenty of bragging rights on the line, especially after their first match-up earlier in the season was washed out.
“The boys have been butting heads a lot, and there’s a lot of chirp around,” he said.
“They haven’t played each other and haven’t developed too much of a rivalry, but it will be a big day on the field, and even better that Saturday night is our Bogan Trivia Night.”
Beaufort’s Bogan Trivia Night will raise awareness and provide support for farmers’ mental health. Tickets are $20, with doors opening at 6 pm. Dinner will be served at 6.45 pm, followed by trivia starting at 7.30 pm.