The majestic Tom Murray starred on his return to the "A-Team" after a period of absence as he powered the Scotchies to a 31 run victory over Melbourne High Old Boys at Woodfull-Miller Oval. While the Celebrities cruised to a big 74 run win over Old Haileybury at Haileybury College due to some vintage batting from the evergreen Mark "Money-Shot" Griffiths.
At Woodfull-Miller Oval, skipper Matthew Grose won the toss and had no hesitation in electing to bat. Matty Mitchell and Seb Armstrong got the Scotchies off to a good start, with Mitchell contributing a polished 30. Sam Shearer contributed 26 and Tom Murray was the star of the show with a stylish 58 that impressed astute onlookers with the artistry on display. Grose with 25 not out and Hayes 24 not out, raised the score to a reasonably string 6/218.
The Melbourne High boys put in a brace fight in their run chase, but enter stage left....Sebastian "Stretch" Armstrong, who ripped the heart out of the lower order of the MHOB's lower order to finish with 4/25, and spearhead the win. Sam Shearer was instrumental with 3/23 to go with his 26 runs.
The Celebrities ventured over to Haileybury where they took on the always powerful Old Haileybury in a do-or-die encounter. Talismanic skipper John Stavris won the toss and elected to bat, and Mark Griffiths made a polished 57 as he continued his fine form. A late partnership between Halse and Sparks saw Halse make 33 not out and Sparks 48, as the Celebrities amassed 7 for 215.
The Celebrities bowlers backed up the fine work of the batsmen and skittled the powerful Old Haileybury for 141 with Jono Loveridge doing the damage with his seemingly innocuous spinners claiming 4 for 37 to be the pick of the bowlers. A comprehensive win over a top 4 team has opened up the season nicely for the Celebrities as they still harbour hopes of making the finals.
This week sees the A-Team journeys out to Old Melbournians ground, where they take on the Grammarians in what is always a great game against traditional rivals, while the Celebrities are at home where they host MCC1 in yet another, cut throat, do or die, 8 point game where it will be no holds barred attacking cricket.
Come on down and support the boys as they fight it out for the glory of the Old Scotch colours,
In the mean time...