The A-Team tuned up for this weeks finals by obliterating an undermanned Melbourne High outfit by 135 runs at Scotch College, whilst The Celebrities saved their best for last to hammer Old Geelong by 129 runs down at Geelong Grammar.
At Scotch, Matty Grose continued his charmed run, winning the toss and electing to bat. The big guns all fired as the A-Team smashed 2 for 233. Star wicket keeper batsman Matt Mitchell contributed 56, Tim Hosking top scored with 69, Sam Shearer finished on a pulsating 63 not out and Tom Murray looked sharp with 23 not out.
The A-Team bowlers sensing blood in the water, moved in for the kill with all the intensity of a piranha feeding frenzy. The Varsity batting line up was torn to shreds, being dismissed for a paltry 98 with the Old Scotch bowlers sharing the honours. Sam Shearer in purple patch of form with the ball captured 3 for 10, Doctor Will Bonwick 2 for 9, and Skipper Matthew Grose 3/26.
Over at Geelong Grammar, the Celebrities faced a game where even a win would not guarantee a finals berth, with results at other grounds would ultimately determine their fate. Talismanic Celebrities skipper, John Stavris exhorted, cajoled and inspired his charges to give everything to fulfil their part of the bargain. The Celebrities bol,stered by special guest star Seb "Stretch Armstrong took a stranglehold on the game and once they had their hands on Old Geelong's jugular, they never let go. Batting first, the Celebrities piled on 7 for 237 with James Halse with 69 and Seb Armstrong with 61 leading the way.
With the ball, the Celebrities dismembered the Old Geelong line up. Honours were shared around with the ball, with Stavris, Clark, Halse and Dave Armstrong all capturing two wickets apiece, as the Celebrities ran out winners by 129 runs. Unfortunately, other results did not fall the Celebrities' way, and they narrowly missed out on finals, with last weeks the against Old Xavier proving to be the difference. They can hold their heads up high.
The A-Team play newly promoted Old Caulfield in a block buster semi final at Scotch College this Sunday, with the Scotchies looking to gain entry into the Grand Final for the third year running. Come on down and lend the boys your support, as it is always most warmly welcomed. Matthew Grose on the boys are looking to wrote their names in Old Scotch history.
In the mean time...