Bushrangers finally capture elusive first win

By Alexander Dabb

Feb 4, 2025

Ross Cavill delivered a masterclass against Ovens Valley, backing up an unbeaten 73 on day one with team-high figures of 4-26 at the weekend to help steer Benalla to its first victory of the season. Photo: Karl Phillipson Photo by Karl Phillipson

Benalla Bushrangers’ A-grade side is on the board for the 2024-25 Wangaratta District Cricket Association season, clinching a hard-fought victory over a stubborn Ovens Valley United at the weekend.

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Play resumed at RC McNamara Reserve in Myrtleford with Ovens Valley 0-5, having been sent in for a five-over spell before stumps by the Bushrangers, who had earlier declared at 5-234 following brilliant half-centuries from Brayden Stepien and Ross Cavill.

It would take mere minutes for the visitors to find the first of 10 wickets needed to secure victory, with Conor Brodie trapping Seamus Phillips in front in the second over of the day to ensure Benalla made the perfect start.

Brodie claimed a second scalp shortly after, bowling Gregor Fraser (12) to reduce the Tigers to 2-32, and when James Ladd got in on the act to send Connor Forde back to the sheds and have Ovens Valley in all sorts at 3-62, Benalla looked like they could wrap things up relatively quickly.

The Bushrangers encountered resistance at number four, however with Geeth Alwis digging in and replying with some firepower of his own, alongside Cooper Thomason (23), adding 59 runs for the fourth wicket.

Eventually Cavill broke through to remove Thomason, however Alwis remained at the crease and Ovens Valley retained hope with him there, with the danger man putting together a stoic 123-ball effort for 80 runs as he attempted to guide his side to victory.

But Ladd would not let Benalla be denied, with Alwis forced to depart after holing out to Cooper Binion, who held on to an excellent catch, with Ovens Valley slumping to 5-165 and their most potent batsman watching on.

Fresh off a brilliant unbeaten 73 on day one, Cavill continued his exploits with the ball, helping mop up the tail alongside Brodie (3-31) and Ladd (3-60) to finish with figures of 4-26 as the home side collapsed in a heap following the dismissal of Alwis, losing the final six wickets for just 30 runs to be all out for 195.

The Bushrangers will look to double their win tally next weekend when they travel to take on Yarrawonga Mulwala Cricket Club in a two-day clash, with Yarrawonga Mulwala currently holding the bragging rights between the two sides after a big one-day win in round three earlier this season.