Skipper Tom Murray continued his blazing summer with the bat leading the charge with a pugnacious 63 to help Old Scotch post 218 against Melbourne University at Meares Oval today.
On a true pitch that played few tricks coupled with a lightning fast outfield, the aggressive Murray in harness with the steady Tommy Whitelaw, who contributed 32, set Old Scotch on the path with a blistering 92 run opening stand.
In the middle order, Tim Hosking blasted 41 along with Cam Melville who contributed a steady 31 not out to set an imposing run chase for Melbourne University.
Evergreen veteran Gary Bennett picked up a wicket in the opening over and the Varsity boys never recovered as they were strangled by some accurate bowling from Bennett (3/21), Andy Fairman (1/6) and Vikas Choudhary (2/5) to be snuffed out for 91.
A crushing victory with a bonus point thrown in has put the Scotchies in the box seat to see finals action.
On Saturday the feted Celebrities put in their most complete performance of the summer to put to the sword a strong Old Melbourne High School combo away at Old Melbourne's picturesque South Yarra HQ.
Special guest star Cal McDonough compiled a masterly 52 at the crease and with Johnny Stava Stavris muscling an all action 32 along with other even contributions, the Celebrities posted a competitive 188.
The bowling unit bowled tighter than BDVs 80's jeans collection to restrict a strong Old Melbourne High batting line up to 93, securing a much needed bonus point to keep their 2nd Division finals hopes alive.
On a side note, the Celebrities took four of the most incredible catches yet seen in one afternoon of cricket anywhere in the world on any given match day. No exaggeration, Benny Summerfield took not one, but two diving screamers at gully. As if that wasn't enough, veteran Davey Armstrong snared a diving left handed catch (his non preferred folks) at mid off from a well hit drive, and the best saved for last, Lloyd Tarrant plucked out of thin air a catch running with the flight of the ball at mid wicket with his outstretched right hand. The ball seemed to just plop into his hand as if pre-ordained by some higher power!
...and he was adament in the rooms after the match it was no fluke!
We believe you Tarry...not many would, though!
Next Sunday the Old Scotch 1s take on Old Geelong away down at Sleepy Hollow in a match that will be telling as to how far they can go this season. On the same day, the Celebrities take on MCC Red at home on the Meares in a do or die, cut throat, encounter to keep their finals dream alive for 2015.
Get around the lads, they love your support!
In the mean time...
SURROUND YOURSELF IN THE EXCITEMENT!
