Patience at the crease will be key to Benalla Bushrangers’ A-grade success this season, after the team suffered its second consecutive batting collapse on Saturday.
Coming up against a formidable Beechworth at the Gardens, Benalla had its work cut out for it, but gave itself no chance of successfully chasing 166, done for 52 with just under 10 overs to spare.
Losing the toss, Benalla was forced into the field first and young bowler Matt Priest showed his development, picking up a game high 4-18.
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Simon Briggs was the other multiple wicket taker for Benalla, while Garry Priest was up-and-about behind the wicket, picking off three batters with the gloves.
Showing signs of the strong bowling attack it is building, the Bushrangers had Beechworth in the precarious spot of 7-106, though a late-order stand from Brendon Thompson (44) and Richard Worcester (34) pushed the visitors to 7-166 by the end of the innings.
Gary Priest was the only Bushranger to surpass double digits, scoring 11 not out.
● A-reserve Bushrangers suffered its fourth loss of the season as Ovens Valley United subjected the side to a 50-run loss at Whorouly Memorial Reserve on Saturday.
Benalla put itself in a strong position early, dismissing Ovens Valley for 110, but fell short in the chase, ultimately out for 60 runs in just 24 overs.
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Luke Morgan (20 not out) led the way with the bat but ran out of support, while Tom Rigby (3-13) and Liam Curtis (3-14) took control of Benalla's attack.
● B-grade Bushrangers also struggled with the bat in its round three contest with Yarrawonga Mulwala.
Away from home, Benalla was on the back foot early, needing to defend a score of 45.
Yarrawonga wasted little time reaching that total, before going on to a 123-run victory.
Blake Spokes was impressive with ball in hand for Benalla, snaring 3-33.
● Benalla begun its VCV Over-60s season on home turf on Sunday and made light work of its opponents, Victoria Country.
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The veteran Bushrangers made it look easy with the bat, knocking together 5-193 in 40 overs.
Eight players made double digits, with Allan Porker the top scorer with 33 runs.
Porker was also crucial to Benalla’s attack, joining Brian Harrington in taking two wickets each to hold Vic Country to 9-134 and secure the 59-run victory.
● Benalla’s under-16s set themselves up for success on Saturday with a strong batting effort against Yarrawonga-Mulwala at the Gardens.
Anchoring the innings was skipper Jack Fullager (68), with Lucas Hales (39) and Liam Curtis (31 not out) also in fine form.
GALLEY: Benalla Bushrangers under-16s, Nov 14
● The under-14 Bushrangers will need a strong batting effort of its own this weekend to successfully chase 180 against City Colts.
Making breakthroughs with the ball for Benalla was Bayleigh Dervish 3-16 and Billy Buitenhuis 2-26.
● Benalla's under-12s was outscored in its contest with City Colts, going down by 41 runs.
Kai Dervish, Will Martin and Isaac Hayes all took home wickets for Benalla, though the team was unable to fire with the bat.
● This weekend the Bushrangers face Ovens Valley United (A-grade), Greta (A-reserve), Rutherglen United (B-grade) in its senior ranks, while its under-16s and 14s continue two-day matches against Yarrawonga Mulwala and City Colts respectively. Under-12s host Rovers United Bruck at Arundel Street Reserve, while Benalla’s Over 60s will travel to Les Cheesley Oval to face Wodonga on Sunday.
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