Tough day out: Benalla's Simon Holmes.
Photo by
Brenden Paddock
Disastrous.
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That is the only way to describe the Benalla Bushrangers batting performance at Norm Minns Oval, as it lost a remarkable 20 wickets for just 65 runs to lose outright to Wangaratta Magpies.
This came after the Bushrangers put themselves in position to pull off an upset against the second-ranked side in the first week of the two dayer, as they bowled the Magpies out for a modest 198.
But the Benalla boys simply could not handle the class of the Magpie bowlers and the track at Norm Minns, as they began the second day by being bowled out for just 18.
So remarkable was the collapse that at one stage the Bushrangers found themselves 9-5, courtesy of ripping spells by Wangaratta openers Chris Clement (6-12) and Matthew Gathercole (4-2).
Taking it on: Benalla's Liam Curtis.
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Brenden Paddock
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Having a swing: Benalla's Trevor Saker.
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Brenden Paddock
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Chancing the arms: Benalla's Simon Holmes.
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Brenden Paddock
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Having a slog: Bushranger batter Gurpreet Singh.
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Brenden Paddock
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Watching it closely: Benalla's Trevor Saker.
Photo by
Brenden Paddock
At risk of being bowled out for single figures, Benalla number 10 Stewart McLeod saved the day to an extent, as he whacked 11 off eight balls to see his team to a total of 18.
Requiring just 10.5 overs to win the match, Wangaratta promptly decided to push for the outright victory and send the Bushrangers in to bat again.
Through the early stages it looked like Benalla would make more of an effort of its second dig, as number three James Carboon showed great patience to make a gritty 20 off 115 balls.
But once again it would be plagued by a stunning collapse, losing seven wickets for five runs to go from 3-42 to all out for 47.
This time it was Nick Bonwick that did the damage, as he took 4-3 from just two overs to bring about the Bushrangers collapse.
These batting woes took away from what was an improved performance with the ball on day one.
Conor Brodie was the main man for the Bushies with ball in hand, as the opener claimed excellent figures of 6-36 off 17.4 overs.
Simon Briggs proved a perfect foil for Brodie, keeping the run-rate in check while striking with wickets of his own to finish with 3-54.
Benalla’s intent in the field was also impressive, and resulted in them not letting a Wangaratta batter pass 50 as they took scalps at regular intervals.
The outright loss has Benalla just clinging onto its position in seventh spot on the A-grade ladder with just two matches remaining.
Attentions now turn to a pivotal two day contest against Yarrawonga Mulwala which begins this Saturday at Benalla Gardens Oval.
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