An undermanned Old Scotch Cricket Club First XI crashed to a six wicket defeat today at the hands of a motivated Old Trinity at Hudson Oval, Trinity Playing Fields.
For the Scotchies, Tom Whitelaw provided some steel with an elegant 34 and combined well with skipper Tom Murray who contributed 25, before a batting collapse saw the score go from 1/65 to 98 all out, undoing the hard work of the top order.
The total was always too small to defend and the emboldened Old Trinity batsmen cruised to the total with the loss of four wickets, ensuring an early finish to proceedings and much soul searching in the Scotchies camp.
With circa five classy regulars missing from the ranks, it was always going to be an uphill battle, but the disinitegration of the middle and lower order was still disappointing with some injudicious strokes leading to soft dismissals.
Bennett and Hays charged in with the ball, but lack of scoreboard pressure was always going to be a problem.
In brighter news, the Old Scotch 3rd XI recorded their first win of the season after toppling Old Trinity 2s by about 50 runs. Aiden Franetic was the star with the bat smacking 51, whilst Mitch Nikolovski took an absolute blinder of a caught and bowled that lifted his teammates.
Special mention goes to James Moutsias who was considered best afield, inspiring Haydos Heroes to victory with one of the best spells of spin bowling you could hope to see.
Lastly, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly Alex Brkic toasting Ed Gillies with a suicidal call that led to Ed being run out by a considerable distance. Apparently, the unflappable Brkic showed not a skerrick of remorse for deep frying his teammate in such a manner! No worries Alex, just remember that Ed will return the favour some time soon!
Next week we have a big round of matches spearheaded by the 1sts seeking redemption against Melbourne High Old Boys at Woodfull-Miller Oval next Saturday.
Until then...