With most of the teams already enjoying the Christmas break, Benalla Bushrangers’ B-grade and C-grade Red sides were in action at the weekend, both enjoying wins to see off the year in style.
In B-grade, the Bushrangers won the toss and elected to bat against Delatite, with opener Vishal Sharma laying the foundations for what would be a mammoth total.
Facing just 36 balls, Sharma smacked 64 runs, including 12 fours and a six, as the Bushrangers powered their way to a huge total of 7-209.
Sharma was well supported by Steven Pickering, who smacked 44, while Stewart McLeod (27 no) and Craig Williams (27) were also strong contributors.
Al Bennett was the pick of Delatite’s bowlers, claiming 4-28, while skipper Andrew Cook snared 2-29 as the only other multiple wicket taker.
It wouldn’t take long for Benalla to wrap up the contest with the ball, with Delatite bowled out for 91 in just 27.1 overs.
The attack was led by McLeod, who claimed impressive figures of 5-17, while Nathan Delaney (2-21), Xavier De Fazio (2-14) and Blake Spokes (1-23) also got in on the action, as the Bushies enter the break on a high.
It wasn’t as comfortable for the C-grade Red side, which took on Greta Blue at Arundel St and opted to bat after winning the toss.
Greg Hoysted and Bryce Cooney shone with bat in hand, making 55 and 47, respectively, to help Benalla reach 9-174 from the 36 overs.
Udaykiran Kommidi was the best with the ball for Benalla, snaring 4-18 in a magnificent display, while skipper Nicholas Jacobs claimed 3-6 to help his side bowl Greta out for 142 and take the victory.