WDCA ǀ Bushrangers salute for maiden win with thrilling run chase against Ovens Valley

By James Kleeman

Nov 28, 2022

Firing it in: Benalla Bushrangers' Liam Curtis produced a tidy bowling performance in round seven on Saturday against Ovens Valley United. Photo: Brenden Paddock Photo by Brenden Paddock

The Benalla Bushrangers secured their first win of the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association campaign on Saturday afternoon, triumphing over Ovens Valley in a nail-biting run chase at Gardens Oval.

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Benalla’s bowling brigade swung momentum the home side’s way in the opening stages on Saturday, removing United’s first three bats within the first 12 overs for just 30 runs.

The Bushies’ Simon Briggs (3-21) and spinner Brendan Duncombe (2-26) did the damage to United’s top order, while Liam Curtis (2-18) took a couple of important wickets later in the day.

A classy bowling display kept the visitor on the back foot all afternoon, as it eventually fell for 124 in the 39th over.

In reply, Benalla’s impressive opening combination of Jack Fullager and Michael Honman settled quickly to see off the new ball.

Fullager was dismissed in the seventh over, bringing number three Greg Hoystead to the crease.

Hoystead’s quick-fire 22 off 25 balls kept the runs ticking over as Benalla crept closer to the total.

Skipper Conor Brodie hung around to manufacture a solid 18, but a late collapse almost saw Benalla throw the points away in spectacular fashion.

After Gary Priest drew his side level on 124-runs, both Simon Briggs and Brenden Duncombe were sent packing by Ovens Valley’s Joshua Newton in the 36th over.

Sitting precariously at 9-124, Gary Priest got his side over the line with a leg bye a few balls later.

Both side’s played out the final three overs for Benalla to finish on 9-132 after 40 overs.

The win pushes the Bushrangers up to sixth spot ahead of a round-eight trip to Wangaratta this weekend.