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Benalla Bushrangers get ready for season

Benalla's B-grade side will be looking to defend its title this season. Photo by Brenden Paddock

There is a buzz around the Benalla Gardens Oval this week as the Benalla Bushrangers put in place final preparations for the 2024-25 Wangaratta and District Cricket Association season.

On Wednesday, September 25, club members headed to H.P. Barr Reserve Ovals in Wangaratta to participate in the Carnival of Girls Cricket 2024, which was held from 10am to 2.30pm.

Cricket Victoria, the Rural City of Wangaratta and the Wangaratta and District Association hosted the day, which included cricket coaching, mini-games, a barbecue, guest speakers and appearances from Big Bash and Victorian representatives.

Going big: A half century from Jack Fullager got the Benalla Bushrangers B-grade side off to a flying start in the 2023-24 WDCA B-grade final. Photo by Brenden Paddock

The Bushrangers debuted their first girls’ team in the competition last year and have been a critical driver of girls’ cricket within the Goulburn Valley region.

The action continued on Thursday, September 26, when the Melbourne Stars visited Benalla Gardens to host a clinic from 9am to 11am.

It was a well-attended event which appealed to those with young children aged between five and eight who were seeking more information about the Bushrangers Blasters program or girls wanting to register to play cricket with Benalla for the upcoming season.

Benalla’s cricketer ranks are growing every year. Photo by Brenden Paddock

The junior squads’ training will see under-14s train on Mondays, under-16s on Tuesdays, and under-12s on Wednesdays.

Senior squads will train on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with over-60s on Friday nights.

The club welcomes any new players and encourages them to contact us via the Bushrangers Facebook page for more information or to register via PlayHq.