SEASON 2021-22 ROUND TEN
JANUARY 30, 2022
DIVISION ONE
OLD SCOTCH CC 2/184 (32.1)
def. MCC 8/183 (40)
M Sparks 55*, Clark 2/28
The Old Scotch CC First XI had the absolute privilege of taking on the Melbourne Cricket Club on the prestigious Albert Ground on Sunday, in what was a special occasion for the club and boys playing.
Having been asked to bowl first on a flat surface, MCC made a very solid start before drinks, going to the break at 2-90 and with Brown and Hyslop looking like marching on the big scores. After the interval, the OSCC boys fought back brilliantly, led by one of the better wicketless spells you’ll see from stalwart William Bonwick (0-20 off 8), and restricted MCC to 8-183 off their 40 overs. Will Hays (2/46 off 7) and Will Clark (2/28 off 7) were the multiple wicket takers, with Cam Hemp, Sam Shearer and Harrison Goad all also bowling well.
Sam Shearer (52) and Cam Hemp (51) got the Scotch innings to the perfect start, scoring at well better than a run a ball and breaking the innings open before S Shearer was dismissed with the score at 77. Hemp and Mike Sparks (55*) continued on and advanced the score to 150 and all but ended any MCC hopes of a resistance, before Hemp fell and allowed youngster Hamish Francis (10*) to whack a couple of impressive boundaries to ice the game in the 32nd over.
It was a great performance on a special day for the club, with some more promising signs for the weeks to come. This week, the tough challenge of Haileybury away and the boys are looking forward to being tested in a good game of cricket.
DIVISION TWO
OLD SCOTCH CC 7/78 (35.3)
def. OLD WESLEY 75 (25.4)
Hocking 32*, G Bennett 4/9
The Seconds ventured out to Glen Waverley to play Old Wesley once again, in what was to be a season defining match. A win would put us in 2nd place, with the opportunity to go 1st if other results went our way.
Captain John Stavris won the toss and sent Old Wesley into bat on what was an extremely green and soft wicket. This decision proved to be a good once, with Joel Bennett (3/14 off 4) having immediate impact, removing the Wesley opener with the very first delivery of the game. Not to be outdone by his son, club legend Gary Bennett (4/9 off 8) rolled into the attack to decimate the Old Wesley team. At the end of the opening spell, the score was 7/25 and the screws were beginning to turn. Some unruly bowling and a mini fightback from Wesley propelled their score, however a few quick wickets saw the end of their innings after 25 overs with the score on 75.
On any given day and for any other team, this would be an incredible easy score to chase. However, as is the game of cricket, the twos decided to make it difficult for themselves. An inspired opening spell from Wesley saw our top and middle order crumble, with the score at 6/26 after the first 16 overs. From there, Cameron Melville (22) and Charlie Hocking (32*) dug deep to provide the partnership we desperately needed. When Cam fell late, the score was on 66. Hock rose to the occasion, smacking back to back boundaries to secure a much important win with 4 overs remaining. The innings of both Melly and Hock cannot be undersold as everyone in both our and the opposition team found it immensely difficult to bat in the conditions. The win has us in second place, with 4 games to play as we travel to Barkers Road next week to play Old Xavs.
DIVISION THREE
OLD SCOTCH CC
drew. GEELONG
Washed out, but returning to Geelong next week...