Hales raises bat for Fitzroy-Doncaster, Bushrangers embark on second half of WDCA season

By James Kleeman

Jan 10, 2023

Bright start: Benalla’s Lucas Hales posted a half century in round one of the Dowling Shield in December.

Benalla’s Lucas Hales made a bright start to his 2022-23 campaign for Fitzroy-Doncaster in round one of the Victorian Premier Cricket Dowling Shield season in December.

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Hales carved out a classy 56 off 59 balls in the Lions’ opening game against Carlton as his side raced to 243 in the first innings.

The reliable gloveman was at his best behind the stumps in the second innings and took five catches to help Fitzroy-Doncaster to a resounding 73-run win.

Hales, who is playing regular cricket for Fitzroy-Doncaster’s fourths this year, will suit up for round two of the Dowling Shield for a clash against Melbourne on Monday, January 16.

Meanwhile, the Benalla Bushrangers have started the second half of their Wangaratta and District Cricket Association season with a match against Delatite on Saturday.

The Bushrangers were knocked over for 111 after 74 overs on day one of their two-day encounter.

Resilient knocks from Gary Priest (22) and Jack Fullager (20) helped push the Bushies past the 100 mark, but their bowling attack will need to fire on day two this weekend if the side is to stand any chance of a win.

Benalla sits in seventh, one spot ahead of last-placed Delatite.

The two sides will resume their clash this Saturday, January 14, at Mansfield’s Lords Reserve.