Jack Gilbee inspires Bethanga to successive wins in CAW District

He blasted 85 from 66 balls and claimed 3-14 in the Saints' nail-biting four-run win against Baranduda on Saturday.

It followed his sublime 115 in the club's victory against Mount Beauty last weekend.

Gilbee's knock allowed Bethanga to reach a modest total of 172 when they were bowled out in the 36^th over.

Kane Smillie was the pick of the Baranduda bowlers with tidy figures of 4-15.

The Rangers looked on track with a 50-run opening stand between Alec Mouncey (28) and Bryce Shergold (35) and were still in a strong position at 5-146 before Rohan Pearce (32) and Brett Allan (21) fell in quick succession to Brodie Sirl.

Baranduda required nine runs from the final over, but came up four short.

Bethanga wicketkeeper Trent Sirl said the club's recruits have made a big impact this season.

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"He's (Gilbee) averaged 100 the past two weeks and it helps having a player like him," Sirl said.

"Luke Rafferty came across (from Wodonga Raiders) at the start of the season and he's averaging 30-odd with the bat.

"We also got one of his mates Jack Robinson who used to play for Wodonga Bulldogs and he signed up just before Christmas and has been part of the last two wins as a top order batsman and opening bowler."

In the weekend's other games, Eskdale toppled Barnawartha-Chiltern by 49 runs thanks to a 57 and 3-24 from the experienced John Purtell.

Kiewa (168) fell outside the top-six after its 22-run loss to Corowa (190).

Howlong took the Hawks' place in the hunt for a finals spot after upsetting Dederang.

The Spiders bowled the Demons out for 146, with Darren Keenes claiming 3-13, before an unbeaten 66 from Caleb Hobbs saw them pass the total six wickets down.

Ladder leaders Yackandandah suffered successive defeats, falling to Mount Beauty by five wickets.

The Roos could only muster 107 as Ashan Ranaweera troubled their batting order to finish with 4-15.

Greg McLennan made 50 not out in the big victory for the Power.

The CAW District ladder after round 15 is: Yackandandah 63, Dederang 60, Mount Beauty 60, Corowa 57, Eskdale 54, Howlong 45, Kiewa 42, Baranduda 33, Bethanga 24, Barnawartha-Chiltern 12.