Benalla Bushrangers’ junior sides salute while seniors handed defeats

By Aydin Payne

Dec 20, 2022

On the rise: Benalla youngster Mitch Cooney had a fine weekend. Photo by Brenden Paddock

It was a tale of two stories for the Benalla Bushrangers in the final round the Wangaratta District Cricket Association before the mid-season break.

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The Bushrangers’ two senior outfits struggled in their respective matches, however, the club’s emerging stars were able to taste success in the junior ranks.

On Saturday the A-grade contingent faced a tough trip to Yarrawonga-Mulwala.

The home side proved to be a tricky adversary for the Bushrangers and skipped away to a comfortable 72-run victory.

Yarrawonga-Mulwala won the toss and chose to bat first and was able to post 6-166 from its 40 overs.

Conor Brodie was the chief wicket-taker for the visitors with 2-25, while teammate Brendan Duncombe bowled superbly from his eight overs to finish with 1-15.

Benalla’s opening bats — Michael Honman (25 runs) and Jack Fullager (10) — were both able to reach double figures, but a flurry of wickets once the score reached 1-51 proved to be the away side’s downfall.

Benalla lost 5-9 in quick succession and some late fireworks from Duncombe (17 runs) saw the Bushrangers finish 9-94 in reply.

At A-Reserve level, Benalla played at home to Yarrawonga-Mulwala and this time the away side went back home with a 43-run win.

Batting first, Yarrawonga-Mulwala recorded 6-152 from its 36 overs despite some skilful bowling from Mitch Wheelens (2-33).

In reply, Matt Hadj flew the flag with five boundaries on his way to 31 runs as Benalla was trundled out for 109.

Lastly, the under-16 outfit enjoyed a stellar win over City Colts thanks to some classy bowling from three young spearheads.

Josh Hart (2-3), Will Botten (2-11) and James Martin (2-19) were the standouts with the ball as Benalla ripped through Colts at Gardens Oval to have the visitors 6-86 in reply to the hosts’ 4-112.

Earlier in the morning, Lucas Ham showcased his skills at the top of the order with 30 not out from 43 deliveries, while youngster Mitchell Cooney went one better with 31 runs from 35 balls.

And the under-14s outfit claimed an impressive win over Greta on Friday, December 16.

Batting first, it was an under-16 hero who popped up with another crucial knock.

Cooney retired not out with 31 runs from 22 balls while Bryce Cooney pencilled in an eye-catching effort with 37 runs from 22 deliveries.

Benalla reached 4-148 and defended that total in style thanks to Boden Hazell and his 3-16 performance.