Benalla Bushrangers Cailin, Isla, Izzy and Harriet on the MCG during the Women’s Ashes Test. Photos: Supplied.
February 1st marked a momentous occasion for four young girls from the Benalla Bushrangers under-14 girls team as they embarked on their biggest adventure yet. Their destination? The hallowed turf of the mighty MCG.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
With the support of Benalla Bus Lines, who provided their trusty steed for the journey, the Bushrangers set off with excitement and determination.
Their first mission of the day was to witness history in the making. They cheered on Australian wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney as she battled the English side to score her first Test century at the MCG—becoming only the second woman in history to achieve this milestone on the iconic ground.
With that triumph witnessed, the young Bushrangers—Izzy, Isla, Harriet, and Cailin—turned their attention to their own mission: looting the MCG for runs, wickets, and unforgettable memories.
Displaying the courage and tenacity that their team is becoming known for, the girls showcased their class and skill. Their bowling partnerships were tight and disciplined, restricting their opponents effectively.
With the bat, boundaries flowed freely, leaving spectators wondering who the real stars of the day were—the Australian team or the Benalla Bushrangers!
Isla and Cailin were the first pair to take on the challenge with the bat, scoring freely with a mix of quick singles and powerful boundaries. Highlights included a fantastic on-drive from Cailin for four and a smashing cover drive from Isla, also for four. Their efforts secured the third-highest partnership score of the match.
Next up were Izzy and Harriet. Izzy entertained the crowd with a barrage of boundaries and sixes, while Harriet provided steady support at the other end. Together, they notched up the second-highest partnership of the match.
Isla with Australian cricket legend Elyse Perry.
When it was their turn to bowl, Cailin and Isla worked in tandem, demonstrating precision and control, proving they are future stars in the making. The final bowling pair, Harriet and Izzy, brought their own brand of skill and enthusiasm. Harriet, in particular, delivered a stunning spell of accurate bowling, giving her opponents no room to score.
With their own game complete, the Bushrangers soaked in the thrilling atmosphere of Ashes cricket. They celebrated every Australian wicket, made multiple attempts to get on the big screen, and engaged in the electric energy of the crowd as they witnessed Australia secure a clean sweep of the Ashes series against England.
Before leaving the MCG, the girls had one final highlight—meeting Australian cricket legend Ellyse Perry. A quick hello, photos, and autographs made for the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
With their MCG raid complete, the young Bushrangers boarded their Benalla Bus Lines steed once more, returning home to await their next thrilling adventure.
