With an influx of new players into the club and an overseas player/coach appointment, the club is looking towards the season with a degree of confidence.
Both sides take on the Wangaratta side Rovers United Bruck, last season’s A-grade premiers.
A-grade will play at the Benalla Gardens Oval, and with a new-look side, the Bushrangers are hoping to give the reigning premiers a run for their money.
The club has appointed a new A-grade captain, Gary Priest, after the captain of the last two seasons, Conor Brodie, decided to step down from the role and concentrate purely on playing.
Priest, who has become a real stalwart of the club, is looking forward to the role and is excited by the inclusion of new talent, including the coach Sunny Chohan.
Other new players that will be up for selection this week are Ross Cavill, Daniel Brew, Clinton Relf, Jeremey Pope-Mercer, Susanka Gamage, Sameera Witharana and Kallum Croxford.
Throw into the mix a plethora of up-and-coming players and experienced players ready to take to the pitch for Benalla again, and the selectors will have some big decisions to make come Thursday night.
Junior cricket
As the season approaches, the numbers for the junior sides are excellent.
An influx of under-12 players has seen the club put in an extra side, making three under-12 sides.
The under-14s and 16s have strong squads of about 15 players each.
The season for all junior sides begins on Saturday, October 14.
Training for under-12s is on Wednesday, under-14s on Tuesday and under-16s on Thursday. All training sessions start at 4.30pm.
Over-60s cricket
The over-60 Benalla Bushrangers side kicks off its season on Sunday, October 15, at the Gardens Oval.
Before that, the club hosts a selection trial for the Victorian over-60s at the Gardens Oval this Sunday.
Players from all over the state will be playing, hoping to be selected for Victoria’s number-one side in November’s upcoming Australian championships in Perth.
Benalla’s Greg Hoysted will be one of the participants.
The over-60s train on Friday from 5pm and are always looking for new players.
If you are a former cricketer nearing 60 years or older, come to the Gardens Oval and check out how low-key the group is.
Ability and mobility are not prerequisites; a love for the game and a sense of humour are.
Refreshments are available after training.
28°C