WDCA ǀ Bushrangers’ A-grade on receiving end of Delatite thumping

By James Kleeman

Nov 21, 2022

On the offensive: Bushrangers' Conor Brodie attacks in last week’s match against Beechworth. Photo by Brenden Paddock

The Benalla Bushrangers are still searching for their first win of the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association campaign after a heavy defeat at the hands of Delatite on Saturday.

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The rain-affected game shortened both innings to 28 overs, and tasked the Bushies with a difficult job in posting a defendable first innings score against a gallant Delatite bowling unit.

The Bushies were sent in to bat first at Gardens Oval and the Delatite attack went to work, removing the in-form Jack Fullager early in the afternoon.

Michael Honman was sent packing by Joseph Kelleher not long after for just 12.

Coach Greg Hoystead and skipper Conor Brodie mounted a partnership and put vital runs on the board, but after both men were removed not long after the other, the Bushrangers’ tail could offer little resistance.

Mitchell Purcell spearheaded Delatite’s bowling performance and chalked up handy figures of 3-27.

In reply, Delatite was punishing with the bat and did the job with some rapid-fire hitting at the top of the order.

Openers Mitchell Copey (32) and Earl Ree-Goodings (20) set the platform, before number three Nicholas Scales (26) went to work and kept the run rate ticking over.

Delatite’s Purcell rounded out his sublime day with classy 40 runs down the order, hunting down the total and securing the win for the visitors after 26 overs.

Benalla is back at home this Saturday and will be eager to pick up its first win with a clash against Ovens Valley United.