SEASON 2023-24 ROUND 09
JANUARY 14, 2024
DIVISION ONE
OLD SCOTCH 1XI 6/148 (33.5)
def. OLD XAVERIANS 145 (39.4)
W. Clark 48*, L. Adams 42, C. Hocking 3/18, H. Goad 3/34
2024 arrived with a short trip down the road, for a tough away day for the First XI against old rivals Old Xaverians. Off the back of tight back-to-back losses to end the previous calendar year, the boys were keen to right the ship and solidify a position near the top of the table.
Down a few soldiers, a few trusty members of the Second XI were called on and, combined with a few regulars, the boys were keen to start 2024 off well. Winning the toss, captain Sam Shearer elected to have a bowl - noting some grass on the surface and a bit of moisture. The OX innings started fairly well with the openers negating the opening bursts of Will Clark and Harrison Goad and advancing the score to 0-50, before Shearer was into the attack and able to remove one of the opening pair. From there the clamps were applied, with Shearer and Will Bonwick drying up the scoring and having OX one down and scoring at 3.5 an over at the drinks interval.
Enter Charlie Hocking - with the popular club man delivering 8 of the finest off-spinning overs you’ll see and claiming 3/18 off his allotted sets, to put an absolute stranglehold on the OX innings and have OSCC well and truly on top. Hocking was ably supported in the field, with sharp chances taken by John Stavris and Shearer x 2 in the ring, in a clinical period of cricket from the squad. Goad, Clark and Shearer returned well to clean up the rest and OX were bowled out in the final over with 145 on the board. It was a fantastic bowling and fielding effort from a depleted unit and left a very manageable chase ahead.
Luke Adams and Mitch Sennitt began the chase, with Adams aggressive early and having the side off to a decent start. After the quick losses of Sennitt and Shearer, Adams and Begy combined well - aggressively advancing the score to 2-60 after 12 and having the chase well at hand. Begy and Adams both fell before drinks, but at 4-100 much of the heavy lifting was done. Clark then anchored the chase, starting well and absorbing some pressure with wickets falling at the other end, to steer the boys home for the loss of 6 wickets. It was another strong hand from the emerging all-rounder, who’s enjoying a fine summer with the blade.
A good win against a solid side, on to a big clash with Melbourne High this weekend.
— Sam Shearer (1XI Captain)
DIVISION TWO (DELAYED UNTIL JAN 28)
OLD SCOTCH 2XI 9/170 (40)
def. PEGS 9/128 (40)
W. Clark 54 & 2/22, E. Shearer 42, T. Fish 3/15, J. Stavris 2/29
The 2s headed to Keilor to play PEGS over the long weekend to make up for a missed game earlier in the season. With finals on the horizon every victory is crucial for the 2s, meaning each of the last 5 games are more or less ‘do or die’.
Winning the toss, I had no hesitation in batting first. The wicket looked nice and the sun was shining. Nick Sparks (22) and Will Clark (54) got us off to a nice start after the loss of an early wicket, batting confidently and pushing the field around. Clarky was joined by Eddie Shearer (42) who played a beautiful and patient innings, which steered the ship following Clark’s departure. It was really positive to see Fred take control of the game through the middle overs. Despite the strong start, PEGS managed to ‘peg’ us back, taking 6/58 in the final 25 overs. Tom Edney (11*) continued his solid form with the bat to ensure we reached 40 overs 9 down for 170 runs.
With a slow outfield the score of 170 was pleasing however from being in a commanding position at 2/106 it was a little disappointing to not go on with it for a score of over 200. Nevertheless, it was up to our front line bowlers to set the tone, coupled with our work in the field. Nick Sparks (1/10 off 6) and Nick Buckley (0/26 off 8) got us off to the perfect start, restricting PEGS to few runs and taking a crucial opening wicket. They were compliment by Will Clark (2/22 off 6) and John Stavris (2/29 off 6) bowling in first change, however the game was turned by the introduction of Tom Fish (3/15 off 8). Fish’s overs really clamped PEGS down and ensured the run rate continued to lift.
At the end of the 40 overs PEGS were 9/128. A comprehensive victory for us against a very good and competitive side who will be thereabouts at the end of the year.
— John Stavris (2XI Captain)