Deniliquin travelled to Barooga for the final one-day game before the Christmas break.
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The game was the Murray Valley Cricket Association match of the round, with the Rhinos in third place and Barooga sitting fifth.
The Rhinos needed a win to continue the chase for top spot, while Barooga were desperate for a win to remain in the hunt for a finals berth.
It was excellent conditions for cricket, with the temperature around 28 degrees and a lightning fast outfield.
Barooga should be proud of the presentation of the oval.
The Rhinos were strengthened with the return of Charlie Hillier.
The Rhinos lost the toss and, surprisingly, were sent into bat.
It was a very brave decision by Barooga, especially given the Rhinos’ recent record of posting big scores.
Barooga were hoping their import Riyaad Henry would rip through the top order.
Barooga started well and restricted the Rhinos to just 20 runs in the first 10 overs.
Henry bowled fast and did have the Rhinos openers play and miss on several occasions.
Brendon Lewis was also tight, only conceding eight runs in his first five overs.
Boddie Arthur and Griegan French weathered the storm and had the Rhinos 0-50 at drinks (15 overs).
This partnership was vital in setting a foundation for the Rhinos’ middle order.
The duo have done well this season with four opening partnerships of more than 50 runs.
Arthur (27) was the first to go when he clipped a ball to square leg.
Andrew Hogan (1) followed shortly afterwards when he skied a full toss off the leg-spin of Sammy Leigh.
The Rhinos were now 2-62 off 18 overs.
The game was about to change dramatically with the arrival of Brodie Bennett at the crease.
Bennett signalled his intentions by lofting his second ball for four.
French and Bennett added 124 runs for the third wicket in just 18 overs.
French was dismissed for 72 when he hit a full toss to deep mid-wicket. He had faced 94 balls, and had eight boundaries and one six.
French has now amassed 498 runs at an average of 62.
Harry Hillier joined Bennett and played his role, giving Bennett the strike at every opportunity.
Bennett bought up his century with a single to square leg.
Bennett and his teammates celebrated an amazing century.
It was a fantastic display of finding the gaps and clearing the fence.
The pair added a further 65 runs in the final eight overs, taking the Rhinos score to 3-251.
Bennett finished unbeaten on 120 off only 86 balls.
His power hitting display included five sixes and 14 boundaries.
Harry finished unbeaten on 19.
This is the third time in the one-day games the Rhinos have posted 250 plus.
But if the Rhinos players were expecting an easy win, they were about to receive an awakening in the form of Henry.
The Rhinos struck early when Hogan had Zach Dunn caught by Rowan Frazer at square leg.
Cam Nye showed plenty of intent and partnered with Henry to add 67 runs in 11 overs.
The boundaries flowed as Barooga matched the required run rate.
Bennett’s introduction had an immediate impact when Nye was adjudged LBW for 29 (36 balls).
Johno Oliver joined his captain and maintained the run scoring.
Henry was scoring at ease with plenty of boundaries.
Arthur came to the bowling crease, hoping off-spin would draw a false shot.
Oliver went the big shot off Arthur only to be caught by the safe hands of Kai Hillier at deep long-off.
Barooga were 3-123 after 24 overs.
The wicket was desperately needed, as Barooga were cruising.
Having achieved the break through in his first over, Arthur replaced himself with Hogan.
It was a great move as Hogan had Murray Stephens caught by Jonty Tubb in his first over back in the bowling attack.
Hogan struck again next over having Lewis caught by Charlie Hillier at gully.
Barooga were 5-139 with Henry 81 not out.
Henry and Lucas added 43 for the sixth wicket.
Arthur had come back into the attack, trying to break the partnership.
Henry took Arthur for a pair of sixes in his third over, and first ball of his fourth over.
Henry tried again on the third ball but hit the ball straight to Monte Barnes at deep mid-wicket.
Henry was out for 112 and the game had swung in the Rhinos favour.
Henry’s century was off 87 balls and included 4 sixes and 12 fours.
Last week’s match winner, Sammy Leigh, joined Lucas in what was probably Barooga’s last recognised partnership.
Arthur struck again, having Leigh caught first ball by Matt Taylor at mid-on.
Barooga had crashed to 7-182.
Taylor claimed his first wicket, having Lucas caught by Arthur at cover point. He claimed his second wicket by bowling Bovalina.
Taylor leads the league with 19 wickets.
Charlie Hillier claimed his first wicket for the season having Codi Bowden caught at cover by French.
Barooga were all out for 190 in the 38th over, and the Deni Rhinos won by 61 runs.
Hogan and Arthur took three wickets a-piece, while Taylor finished with two.
Coach John Arthur was also happy with the fielding given the lighting fast outfield.
“The deep outfield catches of Barnes and Kai Hillier were vital in the context of the batters dismissed and the scores at the time,” coach Arthur said.
“It was fantastic to be tested, particularly with the two-day games against Nathalia, Cobram and Katamatite after Christmas.”
The Rhinos resume on January 11, with a home two-day game against the league leaders, Nathalia.
MVCA A-grade Ladder: Nathalia 54 (points), Cobram 54, Rhinos 51, Katamatite 39, Barooga 18, Tocumwal 12, Berrigan 12, Finley 0.
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