Benalla Ensign

Bushies hit new-year stride

- By James Kleeman

A festive break for Benalla Bushranger­s was just what the doctor ordered, with the struggling outfit enjoying a resurgence of form in the second half of its campaign.

The previously winless Bushies started 2022 with a bang, getting over Delatite in a hard-fought contest; a major upset in the context of the Wangaratta and District Cricket Associatio­n season so far.

The Delatite bats were in hot water early at Benalla Gardens Oval in round nine, as the Bushies’ bowling brigade went to work in slicing through the home side’s top order to have them four wickets down with only one run on the board.

A clinic from Dale Stratton was to thank for much of the sublime bowling display, as he notched two wickets for as many runs while managing four maidens.

He had support from Charlie Bull (2-3) and James Ladd (2-17) who both gave Delatite no reprieve with some incredibly tight bowling.

The Bushranger­s made it difficult for themselves in reply, losing seven before eventually reaching the total, Craig Williams spearheadi­ng the chase with an unbeaten 28 which saw his side over the line to clinch a memorable first win of the season.

They were brought back down to earth the following week, suffering a thumping 137-run defeat at the hands of high-flyers Rovers United Bruck.

But unlike the first half of its season, the side’s resilience came to the fore the following week, dismantlin­g Ovens Valley United in an eight-wicket triumph.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the gallant Bushies’ bowlers played like they had somewhere to be, tearing through United’s bats to have them all back in the sheds for a miserly 60 runs within 24 overs.

Simon Briggs and Reuben James stole headlines with some lethal bowling, collecting wickets apiece to

United rattled.

With their 2021 struggles now a distant memory, the Bushies will head into their four have encounter with Beechworth this weekend full of confidence, buoyed by recent form which could be pivotal to the remainder of their season.

 ?? ?? Day for it: Benalla Bushranger­s take on Rovers United Bruck earlier this season.
Day for it: Benalla Bushranger­s take on Rovers United Bruck earlier this season.
 ?? ?? Pouched: Michael Honman takes a catch on the boundary.
Pouched: Michael Honman takes a catch on the boundary.
 ?? ?? Follow through: Matthew Knight sends the ball down.
Follow through: Matthew Knight sends the ball down.
 ?? ?? Clipped off pads: Gary Priest defends on outside leg.
Clipped off pads: Gary Priest defends on outside leg.
 ?? ?? Getting on top if it: Craig Williams pulls one away.
Getting on top if it: Craig Williams pulls one away.
 ?? ?? On it: Dale Stratton stops one on the boundary.
On it: Dale Stratton stops one on the boundary.
 ?? ?? Good areas: James Ladd rolls the arm over.
Good areas: James Ladd rolls the arm over.
 ?? ?? Hunting one down: Conor Brodie.
Hunting one down: Conor Brodie.

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