Seeing them off: Victoria's Ian Pritchard.
Photo by
Brenden Paddock
International cricket made its triumphant return to Benalla Gardens Oval last week, as England Over 70s faced Victoria Over 70s in a gripping exhibition clash on Thursday.
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Part of England’s “Silver Ashes” tour that has seen them travel to numerous grounds across eastern Australia, the Poms were given a mighty test by the Victorian team, as they claimed a tight two-wicket win.
But the biggest highlight of the day was the standard of cricket played, as both team’s turned back the clock to put on a great spectacle for the Benalla residents who came down for a glimpse of the action.
Locked in: Victoria's Leigh Hardham.
Photo by
Brenden Paddock
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Clipping it away: Victoria's Rob White.
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Brenden Paddock
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Enjoying the serenity: Benalla locals watch the days play,
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Brenden Paddock
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Piercing the gap: Victoria's Rob White.
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Brenden Paddock
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Steaming in: Victoria's Tim Spear comes into bowl.
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Brenden Paddock
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Taking it on: Victoria's Dennis Brown.
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Brenden Paddock
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Pushing the singles: Victoria's Rob White.
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Brenden Paddock
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What a day: The players leave the field together.
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Brenden Paddock
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Back to the pavilion: Victoria's Dennis Brown is bowled.
Photo by
Brenden Paddock
On the field, Victoria started the day by making a relatively competitive total of 145, with Benalla local Peter Neville one of the standouts with a solid 42 at the top of the order.
However, it was not quite enough to see the Vics over the line, as an evenly spread batting performance from the English saw them to the victory total with 14-balls and two wickets to spare.
Despite the result ultimately not going the Victorians’ way, according to Benalla Bushrangers legend and event organiser Trevor Saker, the day was nothing short of a success.
“It was a very good game played in great spirits and at a very high quality,” Saker said.
“The Victorian team was very competitive, and the England captain mentioned in his speech after the game that we had the best two opening batters and best two opening bowlers he’d seen all tour.
“The ground was in terrific knick and the English players were blown away by the setting, we put on a great lunch spread for both the players and locals who came to watch and afterwards had a barbecue as well.
“Everything just went perfectly and it was great to showcase our facility in this way.”
While from a financial point of view, the occasion was not the biggest earner for the Benalla Bushrangers Cricket Club, what it did receive was great kudos and recognition for its facility and hospitality.
“Money wise we don’t get a lot, but what we do get is kudos and respect from international-level cricketers,” he said.
“All the Poms will go back to England and reflect on this being one of their better days on the tour, and I believe they will remember Benalla and the setting of our ground for a long time.
“This was the only game they played outside of a provincial city, so for them to come to a country cricket ground and for us to present it like we did, it is a credit to our club and the work we put on.”
As for whether there would be more international cricket in Benalla on the horizon, Saker said the club would without doubt be putting its hand up to host more matches like this.
“The England captain is also the president of the veterans cricket association in England, so he’s well placed, and I said to him when the Over 60s come, which should be next summer we want another game here,” he said.
“And I’m pretty confident we will get one, it’s great for the town and from this occasion we’ve shown we are more than capable of hosting a good day.”
