A-grade Bushrangers in the hunt while B-grade stays on top

The visitors got off to a fast start, claiming the wicket of opener Mitchell Copey early on with only four runs to his name.

Delatite’s other opener proved harder to dislodge as Gregor Frazer faced 97 balls, scoring 31 runs, the equal-high score on the day.

Frazer was eventually caught by Tyler Begnone off a Priyank Chohan ball.

Other notable innings from the home side included Nick Scales, who scored 30 runs off 77 balls, Ben Martin with 31 runs off 43 balls and the Delatite captain, who scored 29 runs, including the only six of the innings.

Conor Brodie and Chohan were the most lethal with the ball in hand, taking three wickets each.

While Ross Cavill only took two wickets from his 14 overs, he had an economy of 1.14 and bowled five maidens.

The Mansfield-based side was bowled out after 74.4 overs with a total of 189.

With a manageable target put in front of them, the Bushrangers hope their batting lineup has an innings that compliments their impressive bowling spell.

In B-grade, the Bushrangers pulled off a narrow win at Benalla Gardens Oval.

Delatite Cricket Club won the toss and elected to bat.

Captain Mark O’Loughlan got his side off to a strong start, putting 66 runs on the board.

While the rest of the Delatite top order all put double-digit figures on the board, the Benalla bowling attack was able to dislodge each batter before they could get truly settled.

Leigh Pollard claimed the lion’s share of the wickets with three to his name, while captain Stewart McLeod and Dale Stratton took two wickets each.

From their 36 overs, Delatite managed a total of 173.

Jack Fullager and Josh Hart got Benalla off to a strong start with bat in hand.

Fullager blasted 58 runs off 33 balls, including eight fours and two sixes, before being dismissed lbw.

With the score at 1/77, Benalla stumbled and were 2/78 when Michael Burrows bowled Craig Williams.

Brett Pollard steadied the ship with a crucial 36 runs, but the middle order fell cheaply around him.

The Bushrangers found themselves with one wicket to spare and 23 runs to make.

The pressure was on, but Benalla looked determined to get over the line with the captain at the crease.

McLeod and Stratton chased down the remaining runs, with Stratton hitting a four on the first ball of the last over to claim victory.

The win sees the Bushrangers solidify their place at the top of the table with four rounds left before finals.