SEASON 2021-22 ROUND SIX
DIVISION ONE
OLD SCOTCH CC 7/278 (40)
def. MELBOURNE UNI 8/159 (40)
S Shearer 79, C Loveridge 3/17
The Old Scotch First XI travelled to Princes Park to tackle a young and enthusiastic Melbourne Uni side, looking to build on a promising undefeated start to the 2021/22 season. A strong and youthful OSCC side was named, which is exciting not only for the current season but also years to come.
After winning the toss, it was veteran of the side and captain Sam Shearer (79) who got the side off to the perfect start, assisted by the also aggressive Nick Sparks (23). The pair quickly advanced the score to 40 off the first 6 and a bit overs and the boys were away. After N Sparks fell and Sam Dawborn not long after, Mike Sparks (52) joined S Shearer and joined in on the fun, in a 100+ run stand at a great clip. With the pair advancing the score to 150 at drinks, the platform was well and truly there for a large score.
Unfortunately the pair perished in quick succession not long after the drinks break, passing up the opportunity for a couple of large individual scores. Was great to get some other boys a bit of time at the crease, however, and Nick Shearer, Mitch Sennitt, Charlie Loveridge, Will Clark and Will Hays all chipped in with the stick to see the side finish at 6/278 at the compulsory close. It was a great effort, on a low and slow deck, and the second week in a row with multiple half-centurions and a century stand.
In all honesty, MUCC gave up the run chase in about the 30th over of the OSCC innings and limped to 8/159 off their allotted 40 overs. Clark (2/29) and Loveridge (3/17) were the multiple wicket takers, in what was a truly attritional bowling innings for the fellas.
The tough task of Trinity away on a Saturday this week for the 1s, looking to continue a terrific start to the campaign.
DIVISION TWO
OLD SCOTCH CC 6/135 (35.3)
def. SOUTH CAULFIELD 134 (35.3)
E Shearer 75*, Easton 3/31
The 2s arrived to the Meares on a pearler of a Sunday morning, without their fearless leader John Stavris, but excited for a big day. Co-Captains Tom Edney and Oliver McLeish had a poor start, losing the toss, which eventually proved to be a great toss to lose.
Old Scotch started well with the ball, Joel Bennett (1/27) had a relative simple chance dropped by WK Schilling. The team took wickets steadily and had South Caulfield 4-71 at drinks. Tom Polkinghorne was particularly tidy with 2-11 off 6, while Tom Edney played an invaluable role stepping in for Ryan Higgins. After Drinks, Old Scotch remained on top as we contained some more aggressive batsmen and wickets continued to fall. Will Easton was exceptional with 3-31 and a lovely soccerred run out. Eventually, South Caulfield we’re bowled out for 134 in the 36th, a terrific team effort.
The start with the bat was rather less remarkable. South Caulfield started with spin, which instantly proved a master stroke as we were reduced to 4-16 after 10 overs, with one bowler at one stage having figures of 3-0. This innocuous start was followed by an exceptional partnership, one of the best seen in recent twos memory. Tom Polkinghorne (44) and Ed Shearer (75*) guided the team to 95 and basically secured victory. Ed’s knock on debut was particularly impressive and these two successfully turned the game in their 25 overs at the crease. McLeish came to the crease and guided young Ed home, sadly getting out with just 3 runs to win before Ed hit the winning runs to win by 4 wickets.
Overall, a terrific team win, with the team excited to welcome back captain John next week.
DIVISION THREE
OLD SCOTCH CC 132 (38)
def by. FOOTSCRAY 4/134 (31.5)
Lund 70, Kelsall 2/9
Unfortunately it was a case of “rinse and repeat” when we played top of the table Footscray for the second week in a row. They rolled up to the Melville with couple of changes including the addition of a Premier 1 player who played for the Footscray Premier Ones the day before - and he opened the bowling. This did not help things a great deal.
Again we lost the toss.
Again they put us in.
Again we scored a reasonable, but not great, score.
Again they passed it with plenty of batters in the shed and a few overs in the bank.
The highlight was a sparking 70 from Oscar Lund who was well on his way to a ton before being run out. The first 100 for the thirds will need to wait another week. The other major positive from the game is we do not play Footscray again until the finals this season!