Bushrangers downed by City Colts

By Alexander Dabb

Nov 26, 2024

City Colts were able to retain top spot after a solid win over Benalla at the weekend. Photos: Karl Phillipson. Photo by Karl Phillipson

With just 199 runs to defend against City Colts, Benalla put in a solid day in the field despite the sweltering conditions at Gardens Oval on Saturday, but ultimately fell short of victory.

It was a sweltering day in the field for the Bushrangers on Saturday. Photo by Karl Phillipson

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Having recovered after a disastrous start on day one to set the visitors a target of 200 for victory, Benalla once again got off to a less than ideal start, as Colts opening pair Mitchell Giggins and Aaron Thrum were allowed to get their eye in.

The Bushrangers were able to make inroads with the ball despite the slow start. Photo by Karl Phillipson

The pair batted together for 27 overs, adding 94 runs to the scorecard before Bushies skipper Brayden Stepien stood up and trapped Thrum in front for 23.

Benalla will look to clinch its first win next week when it hosts Wangaratta Magpies at Gardens Oval. Photo by Karl Phillipson

New batsman Ben Feldtmann was not provided the same opportunity to establish himself, as Ross Cavill struck immediately to remove him for an eight-ball duck, and struck again shortly after to send Joshua Newton packing for one run.

Tough conditions greeted the Bushrangers fielders on Saturday. Photo by Karl Phillipson

In the blink of an eye, Benalla had reduced the Colts from cruising at 0-94 to 3-101 and was right back into the contest.

Colts captain Giggins remained a thorn in the side of the home team, however, as he continued to rush along at close to a run a ball, and raised his bat to celebrate a well-made century.

The Bushrangers took wickets in clumps at the weekend, but it wasn’t enough to deny the Colts the win. Photo by Karl Phillipson

He would advance the score to 148 before being dismissed for 103, and with Josh Nanson (22) following soon after, Benalla was still a slim chance of pulling off a remarkable upset, with the Colts five wickets down and needing 40 runs for victory.

A City Colts batsman leaves a well-bowled delivery. Photo by Karl Phillipson

Tyler Nanson (21) and Alasdair Brett (0) would both fall before the required runs were reached; however, a solid display of middle-order hitting from Kent Braden saw the Colts across the line, with the number seven finishing on 41 not out as the Colts made the winning runs with three wickets in hand.

The home side showed great perseverance with ball in hand. Photo by Karl Phillipson

They batted on, eventually making it to 9-263 at the end of the 75 overs, taking the points to remain on top of the table at the end of round five.

The Bushrangers get up and about after taking a wicket. Photo by Karl Phillipson

For Benalla, Mitchell Wheelens finished with the best bowling figures, with 2-26 from his six overs, while Cooper Binion (2-31), Ross Cavill (2-32) and Conor Brodie (2-59) all claimed multiple wickets also, with Stepien (1-86) rounding out the wicket-takers.

The Colts proved too strong with the bat at the weekend. Photo by Karl Phillipson

The Bushrangers will be at home again for the next fortnight, hosting fourth-placed Wangaratta Magpies at Gardens Oval, with the Magpies entering the two-day clash having secured a close victory over Yarrawonga-Mulwala at the weekend.