The Benalla Bandits’ 2019 season has gotten off to a fine start, with the club fielding both an A-grade and B-grade side for the first time in years.
The club has also welcomed a number of new players this season, including two women.
Travelling to Wangaratta last Sunday for Round 2 of the NEBA 2019 Baseball Competition, Benalla’s A-grade team faced a difficult challenge against the reigning premiers in Albury Bears Green, ultimately going down 21-4.
The B-grade side were also able to put together a number of good plays but couldn’t get over the line against a strong Albury Bears Gold.
This followed Benalla’s Round 1 outings the previous week, which saw the Bandits host its competitiors at the Racecourse Reserve.
The A-grade team faced an increase in competition as it was the first time they were playing at the top level, while the B-grade’s matchup against Wangaratta Rangers Orange saw Bandits’ opening batter Jack McCarten hit a home run to start Benalla’s season off nicely.
Round 1 result Sunday April 7
Benalla Bandits A def by Wangaratta Rangers Black 13-3.
Benalla Bandits B def by Wangaratta Rangers Orange 25-6.
Round 2 result Sunday April 14
Benalla Bandits A def by Albury Bears Green 21-4
Benalla Bandits B def by Albury Bears Gold 25-3