It was a mixed bag in the last round of season 2018/19, with the A-Team losing their first game of the year in what was a dead rubber against Old Melbournians by 4 wickets in the last over, and the Celebrities sealing a home final after an epic run chase against MCC winning by 6 wickets with Nick Sparks playing a wonderful innings under pressure.
In the 1st Division clash on the smallish Edwin Flack Field 2, Old Scotch won the toss and racked up a very credible 4 for 240. Matty Mitchell contributed 77 and Sam Shearer 72. The question on everyone's lips was "will it be enough?" On such a small ground, a par score was probably 260-270. And so it proved, with Old Melbournians getting off to a flyer putting on over 100 for the first wicket as the ball rocketed to the boundary over the lightning fast outfield, and frequently over the boundary, as the Old Melbournians took advantage of the short straight boundaries with impunity,
While the run chase was tight with the Scotchies taking wickets to add interest, there was only going to be one winner, and so it proved. A preventable loss, but one where much can be learned from it leading into the semi finals.
The Celebrities were chasing 148 to win, and did so with 3 overs to spare due to an inspirational innings from Nick "Electric" Sparks, who anchored the run chase with a high quality 62 not out in a unbroken 51 run partnership with Charlie Schilling who contributed a spirited 23 not out.
The Celebrities inspired second half of the season has seen them land a home final - something that would have had anyone laughed out of the conversation had it been suggested at Christmas. Incredible spirit has been shown by talismanic skipper John Stavris and his charges.
This week we have the dream scenario of not one, but two home semi finals as both Old Scotch teams strive to make grand finals. The A-Team take on the Auld Enemy Old Xavier on the main oval in a replay of last years Grand Final, while the Celebrities take on Old Haileybury on the lower Melville Oval.
Please, please, please come on down and support the lads as they look to make history. Without your vocal support, it is so much harder. Witness history in the making on the hallowed turf of Scotch College...I know, I will be there! Remember, president Tim Hosking knows each and everyone of you by name, so if you are not there...
In the meantime...