
Cameron Melville scored a fighting 78 to provide the backbone to the Scotchie's impressive 122 run win down at Old Geelong on a cold and wet Sunday afternoon.
A 73 run opening stand between Melville and the always reliable Tim Hosking who made 28, kicked off proceedings in the best possible way after Old Geelong won the toss and inserted the Scotchies under grey, foreboding skies. After Hosking's departure, number three Sam Shearer continued his rich vein of form, as he posted an impressive 39 before being dismissed. With the score now 2/148, the search for quick runs saw the middle order sacrifice their wickets recklessly, but the ends justified the means as a marvellous score of 202 was posted, with Melville fourth man out for a wonderfully composed 78 that provided the vital backbone to the Scotchie innings.
Old Geelong always have a dangerous batting line up, and nothing could be taken for granted. But wonderful bowling from Will Hays (3/16), skipper Matt Grose (3/19), and evergreen veteran Gary Bennett (2/.22) restricted the Old Geelong innings to 120 and thus power the Scotchies to an impressive 82 run win away from home on a difficult day weather wise.
Next up, Old Scotch take on Melbourne University at Princess Park Oval Number 3 on Sunday, in what is sure to be a tough encounter against the Uni boys.
Also on Sunday, the Celebrities journeyed out to the Barkers Road HQ of perennial rival Old Xavier in an attempt to get onto the winners list and also get bragging rights over the Xavs boys. Skipper Matt Foskey lost the toss, and under dark, cloudy skies the Scotchies were sent in. Early trouble was somewhat averted by a charming and charmed innings of 48 by veteran batsman Mark "The Moneyshot" Griffiths. English gappy Luke James continued where he left off the previous week by coming out all guns blazing, only to lose his wicket for 20 after looking in command. A batting collapsed followed, but total disaster was averted by Englishman Lee Stevens revelling in the overcast English type conditions by carving out a valuable 32. Harry Hackett in his long awaited comeback fashioned a crucial 21 not out in partnership with younger brother James Hackett who contributed a crucial 16.
A total of 160 on a slow outfield with a light drizzle falling, looked a winning score, and when Angus Harlock and John Stavris broke through in relatively quick succession, Scotchie spirits were buoyed. A further wicket fell to Stevens probing off-spin before the heavens opened up with Old Xavier precariously placed at 3 for 55 after 16 overs. The rain did not abate and the match was declared abandoned with the Celebrities somewhat holding the upper hand.
A disappointing result for the Celebrities who looked well placed to break through, but many promising performances again point to this summer being an opportunity for some great cricket to be played by the lads, and the wins following in due course.
The Celebrities have a bye this weekend, before fronting up to Old Caulfield Grammarians the following Sunday at Meares Oval.
This week, it was again all about the A Team as they yet again recorded an impressive win as they look to defend their crown this summer.
Come along and give the boys your support this Sunday at Princess Park as they take on Melbourne University.
Until then...