Delivering 11.2 overs of pure class, Spokes single handily put the Bushrangers in a winning position, taking a brilliant 5-28.
His efforts would help spark a middle-order collapse of 4-19, which kept Ovens Valley United to a moderate 162 from 60.2 overs.
The Bushies do now have to face the daunting task of putting together a successful chase, which has not gotten off to the best of starts after an early wicket saw them slump to 1-19 at stumps.
Next weekend, Benalla will have to put in its best batting performance of the season to come away with win, but will take confidence out of the fact it did defeat Ovens Valley United in their earlier meeting in round seven.
Earlier, the Bushrangers decided to play to their strengths at the toss, as they sent Ovens Valley in on a beautiful autumn’s day in Myrtleford.
Openers Conor Brodie and Tyler Begnone got Benalla off to a good start, with a pair of early wickets having the hosts in trouble at 2-22.
Seamus Phillips did put Ovens Valley back in control, however, with the number three striking a classy 52.
With hopes of a 200-plus score at the halfway mark, Bushrangers skipper Brodie decided to throw the ball to Spokes, and as they say the rest is history.
Operating with fantastic consistency from one end, the Ovens Valley batters could not curtail his dominance, with his five wickets seeing them fall to just 162 from 60.2 overs.
So, can the Bushies finally put together a complete batting innings and get the job done?
Well, we will have to wait until this Saturday to find out.
