WDCA ǀ Gallery ǀ Bushrangers in prime position for victory before heavy rain forces draw

A late order 19-run knock from skipper Conor Brodie amazingly pulled his side level on runs, before heavy rain the very next ball forced the umpires to bring play to a close.

Bushrangers president Greg Hoystead said even though his side had shared points, the performance had given them much to be excited about in their second match.

“We played a really good game and we’re really happy with how we played despite the draw,” Hoystead said.

“It was a very impressive performance, we bowled and fielded really well.

“We picked two experienced spinners in Lee Brennan and Brendan Duncombe who bowled really well.”

After extensive work from club curators, cricket made its long-awaited return to Gardens Oval after severe flooding in recent months.

Beechworth elected to bat first on Saturday afternoon and were almost left to rue that decision, as Benalla’s spinners and medium pacers went to work in conditions that looked to suit spin.

Brendan Duncombe (4-19) and Lee Brennan (2-19) put the Wanderers top order to the sword after their slow start, and a three-wicket burst for just three runs in the 23rd over was particularly eye-catching as Beechworth was left in hot water at 7-67.

Tasked with chasing 90, Fullager’s opening knock set the platform.

The Bushrangers’ opener looked well on his way to his half-ton before being removed by Beechworth’s Richard Worcester.

With rain a growing threat, the Bushrangers were forced to pick up the run rate in an effort to reach the total, but would ultimately fall agonisingly short of victory.

When the rain did subside, a wet patch on the bowlers run up at one end of the pitch could not be dried in time for play to resume.

Benalla will face Delatite in round six this Saturday.