SEASON 2023-24 ROUND 02
OCTOBER 28/29, 2023
DIVISION ONE
OLD SCOTCH 1XI 5/372 (40)
def. SOUTH CAULFIELD 5/207 (40)
Francis 160, Clark 114*, Shearer 45 and (2/40)
A rare Saturday game presented a nice change up for the First XI boys in Round Two, taking on last year’s 2nd XI Grand Final rivals South Caulfield. With a few regulars with other Saturday commitments, the side welcomed in Cal Kimpton and Andrew Callaghan in for their first games for the side. It also is well worth mentioning that it was club favourite Tom Edney’s first full game back post-ACL surgery and it was unreal to see the great man back on the park.
Captain Sam Shearer won the toss and had no hesitation in electing to bat first, noting the very small boundaries, windy conditions and also a surface that looked like it would only get worse as the day wore on. Openers Tom Kelly and Hamish Francis made the very short stroll to the middle, but unfortunately Kelly was dismissed in the second over. Francis was joined by Shearer and the pair wasted no time getting into their work, with the score rattling along at around 7 to 8 an over and the score very quickly approaching triple figures in the 12th or 13th over. After some ordinary efforts in the field, benefitting both batters, Shearer was dismissed by an unexpected blinder at cover and was dismissed for 45. After another wicket or two, debutant Callaghan teamed well with Francis and continued to advance the score quickly. Upon his departure, the real show began and Francis and Will Clark combined for a partnership for the ages…
While taking some time to sensibly get into his work, and with Francis accumulating his way to a fantastic maiden OSCC hundred in the process, Clark would then proceed to launch just about anything sent his way over the boundary and deliver a simply incredible 50-ball century. It was an innings to behold and shows the kind of talent possessed by Clark and in the OSCC XI. Francis, having passed the century mark, also joined in the fun and punished the flagging SC bowling unit to all parts of the ground, passing 150 in the process and only falling run-out in the last over of the innings. It truly was a special partnership, with 140 runs plundered in the last 10 overs, and was a privilege to be there to see. No doubt many more memorable days to come for both of these very talented young cricketers and a day to remember for all present.
The report from the bowling innings will be far shorter and probably the less words spent the better, with SC immediately shutting up shop and showing no intent to have a crack at the imposing total for 40 overs of the absolute finest… Mentions to 2nd XI Premiership heroes Charlie Hocking and Charlie Loveridge for some good sets through the middle, claiming a well-deserved wicket each, and Shearer was able to claim two fairly forgettable scalps during the 40 over snoozefest.
Nonetheless, a truly remarkable day and game of cricket and, once again, all plaudits to Hamish Francis and Will Clark for their incredible display of violent and destructive batting.
No official game this coming weekend, but a special game against the School First XI on the Main Oval on Friday evening. Would be great to see a few OSCC members in attendance!
— Sam Shearer (1XI Captain)
DIVISION TWO
OLD SCOTCH 2XI 9/193 (40)
def. by MELBOURNE UNI 5/194 (36.5)
T. Murray 89 & 3/31, E. Shearer 39, O. McLeish 1/21
Round 2 arrived with a beautiful spring day as the 2s made the trip out to Princess Park to take on Melbourne Uni (MUCC). As it customary, MUCC had an assortment of players, ranging from a 1st XI batsman with over 10,000 career runs to your more typical Sunday bludgers. Captain Oliver McLeish won the toss and elected to bat on what he correctly deemed was a batman’s paradise.
OSCC got off to a strong start, with Ed Shearer looking imperious in his new opening role, striking a crisp run-a-ball 39. After a couple of quick wickets, Tom Murray strode to the crease and struck a phenomenal 89, including 4 mammoth sixes and an array of gorgeous cricket strokes. Having not played cricket in 3+ years, it was an exceptional knock that went a long way to setting up the game. Hugo Boreham (21) and Oliver McLeish (13) played small cameo knocks in support and OSCC looked set for a significant total. Unfortunately, from 4/180 with 6 overs to go, the team could only scramble to 9/193 as a series of ill disciplined shots and costly run-outs halted progress. Still, a total of 193 is not to be scoffed at and the team knew they were in with a great shot.
The bowling innings got off to a challenging start with the aforementioned premier 1sts veteran making OSCC pay for a costly dropped catch. The opening stand put on 106, despite some great tight bowling from the Bennett father/son duo, particularly Nic, whose 5-over spell halted momentum when MUCC were humming along. Enter Jack Ross in the 17th over, who got a critical LBW of one opener, which sent OSCC to drinks with some momentum. An inspired piece of captaincy saw slow bowling introduced from both ends with Oliver McLeish (1/21 off 6 overs) and Tom Murray (3/31 off 7 overs) critical in arresting the momentum. However, some costly dropped chances kept MUCC ahead in the game and left them needing 40 off the last 10 with 4 wickets in hand (MUCC only had 9 players). One final partnership got them over the line with 3 overs to go and unfortunately saw OSCC suffer their first loss of the season.
Overall, a solid first hit out for the team, with plenty of upside and work to be done, particularly in the field. As the team knows well, flags are not won in October and with plenty to work on, the team is excited to be back for round 3 after the Cup Day long weekend.
— Oliver McLeish (Stand In 2XI Captain)
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