B-grade Bushies are grand final bound

The home side won the toss, chose to bat and quickly had themselves in all sorts of trouble.

Dale Stratton was making things difficult, picking up three wickets, including two caught and bowled.

Josh Heylbut’s arm should be registered as a lethal weapon as he hit the stumps for two run-outs.

After the first 40 overs, the Rovers had set the target at 130.

The Bushies openers also found it difficult to get the runs on the board as the first four wickets fell for 10 runs.

Dylan Barber came in and made a much needed 33 runs, while Nathan Delaney also contributed with 24.

Unfortunately, the wickets fell too quickly for the Bushies and their season is over just one game short of a grand final.

Final Score:

A Reserve – 10-110 (36.3)

Rovers – 9-130 (40)

Semi Final - B-grade

In the B-grade semi-final, the Bushies found themselves up against the Rovers as well, this time on the hallowed turf of the Benalla Gardens.

The Bushies won the toss and elected to bowl.

Uday Kommidi started strong with two early wickets, finishing with 2-27 off 5 for the day and disrupted the opening pair.

When one of the Rovers batters looked to be settling in for the long haul, Steve Pickering came up with the goods thanks to an assist from behind the stumps.

Pickering bowled beautifully all day with 3-19 off 5.

Stewart McLeod also bowled tight and consistent all day, paying off with 2-12 off 8.

Thanks to the bowling attack, the Bushies B-grade side was able to restrict the run chase to 108.

Jack Fullager wasted no time in getting the runs under way, posting a remarkable 59 before being dismissed.

Lee Brennan (16) and Steve Pickering (10*) were the other main contributors.

B-grade secured the chance to defend their title and hopefully make back to back grand final victories.

Final Score:

B-grade – 6-109 (35)

Rovers – 8-108 (36)

Semi-Final - C-Grade Blue

Cricket has always been about more than just runs and wickets. It’s about passion, connection, and the moments shared between those who love the game.

And this season, the C-Grade team has embodied that spirit in the most special way—with an incredible 10 father-son combinations taking the field together.

For these fathers, cricket is more than a weekend sport—it’s a chance to share something truly special with their sons. It starts in the backyard, where patient hands teach tiny ones how to hold a bat, where the first ball ever bowled is from a dad who just wants to see his child smile.

Then, one day, that same child stands beside him on the field—not just as a son, but as a teammate.

The bond between these players is something unique. There’s the quiet wisdom passed down between overs, the father’s proud smile as his son takes a brilliant catch, the son’s determination to impress the man who taught him everything, or the small voice in the field cheering Dad on.

And in those moments—whether it’s a partnership at the crease or a high-five after a crucial wicket—the game becomes something more.

This season’s 10 father-son duos aren’t just playing cricket, they’re creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Because in the end, it’s not about the final score—it’s about the shared car rides to the ground, the knowing nods across the pitch, and the unbreakable connection built with every over.

They say cricket is a gentleman’s game, but in C-Grade, it’s also a family’s game. And that’s something truly special.

During the Semi-Final against Yarrawonga, the Bushies went into bat first and Christian DeFazio (24) got things off to a good start, but the line-up found it difficult to build partnerships and make an impact.

Jack Hart came in at number seven and blasted 36 runs off 42 balls to finish not-out and the top run scorer of the team.

The bowling attack was shared with Mark Osborne (1-25), Steve Hart (1-29), Josh Hart (1-20), Jack Hart (1-25) and Sam Hazell (1-17) all taking wickets.

Final Score:

C-grade Blue – 8/145 (36)

Yarrawonga – 6/146 (34.4)