SEASON 2022-23 ROUND 12
FEBRUARY 12, 2023
DIVISION ONE
OLD SCOTCH CC 4/189 (28.4)
def. OLD HAILEYBURIANS 8/186 (40)
C Hemp 65, W Clark 3/47
The First XI returned home for a very big clash with third placed Haileybury, in a match that could have seen the away team jump ahead on the ladder and into the home final slots.
The toss was lost, on what looked and absolute Meares belter, and OH had no hesitation in having a bat. Their batting innings began in rollicking fashion, with openers Will Clark and Joel Bennett coming under real pressure from the aggressive opening pair. Lachie Bangs and Sam Shearer were able to wrestle some control back at first-change, with Bangs snagging the important opening breakthrough, but Haileybury still went to the drinks break at a commanding position of 1-110.
The post-drinks session of bowling was one of the finest I can recall at my time at OSCC, with all bowlers executing plans to perfection. Cam Hemp came on to tie up an end, with a miserly 8 over spell, and J Bennett returned with a fantastic second spell of bowling - removing the two in players and thrusting the good guys back into ascendency. On one of the best batting surfaces you’ll see, and considering the position at drinks, to hold OH to 8/186 and concede 76 runs in the 20 overs post drinks was an incredible effort.
The batting innings begun in unfortunate fashion, with Hamish Francis departing early. Despite the early setback, Hemp (65) and S Shearer (40) combined assuredly in a 80 run stand at a good rate to have the home side well in control. Contributions from Bangs and Clark and a classy 34* from Sam Dawborn saw the side home, for what was a terrific win that sees the top spot consolidated.
Another large game this week, with the boys tackling rivals Old Melburnians on the Meares.
— Sam Shearer (1XI Captain)
DIVISION TWO
OLD SCOTCH CC 9/182 (40)
def. OLD WESLEY 140 (35.1)
M Griffiths 55, C Loveridge 3/19
The second XI also returned home for a season defining and certainly must win clash against a strong opposition in Old Wesley. Winning the toss and batting first, Charlie Schilling (43) and Mark Griffiths (55) got us off to a brilliant start, showing extreme poise and grace as the score pushed to 0/83 at drinks. Despite the strong start and some fireworks from Hugh Longbottom (34), wickets tumbled (including a usual collapse of 6/18) after the break and we found ourselves in a spot of bother at 8/161 with 1.1 over remaining. Our skipper strode to the crease at number 10, blasting 18* off 8 balls to ensure the score rose over 180 at the end of the 40 overs.
Old Wesley came out swinging as they did on our last encounter, however this time with not as much effect. Jack Ross (0/10 off 4) bowled superbly with the new ball as did Will Easton (1/25 off 6) but it was not until a brilliant caught and bowled from Eddie Shearer (1/16 off 4) that we finally capitalised on the position. From that point, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals with some outstanding fielding from all, ensuring that Wesley were never really in a threatening position. Charlie Loveridge (3/19 off 4) and Hugh Longbottom (2/22 off 4) were the pick of the bowlers along with Tom Loveridge (1/26 off 8) who put in a largely unrewarded spell of tight bowling. The final wicket fell with a direct hit run out from James Halse (1/16 off 4) to cap off a successful 42 run victory.
The win sees us consolidate in 3rd spot with 2 games to go and the very live chance of securing another home final.
— John Stavris (2XI Captain)