DIVISION ONE, ROUND 11, 2020-21 SEAON
OLD SCOTCH (151)
def. MELBOURNE CC (8/109)
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MATCH REVIEW
After a reversal of the scheduled away game with Melbourne Cricket Club, the 1st XI tackled MCC on the Meares in the second meeting in as many weeks for the two sides. With the finals series quickly approaching and a home final secured, the OSCC side was looking strong and had almost everyone available for selection.
Sam Shearer won the toss and elected to bat despite knowing the thatchy grass on the Meares surface can prove batting difficult, with conditions still likely to suit the bowling side later in the day. This was quickly evident, with a number of balls holding in the surface and popping off a length. Despite the tricky conditions, Nick Sparks (13) and S Shearer (18) got things started with a flurry of boundaries early, advancing the score to 33 off 4 overs. S Shearer and Sparks departed in quick succession, however, and Noah Croes immediately followed, leaving Nick Shearer (31) and Charlie Loveridge (21) to rebuild the innings.
The two went about it in sensible fashion, with N Shearer more of the aggressor, and advanced the boys to a strong position at 3/90 on the difficult batting wicket. Cam Hemp (21) also went to the wicket with a great intent to score and was able to follow the solid work of Loveridge and N Shearer, but he too fell after a promising start. From there, the boys weren’t able to form any meaningful partnerships and were bowled out for 151 off 32 overs. Despite the score looking well below par on the Meares, it was a good effort on the wicket and likely enough for a very strong and in-form OSCC bowling arsenal.
Will Hays (2/18 off 8) immediately found his rhythm and was able to claim two early breakthroughs, with Will Clark (1/11 off 8) keeping things very tight at the other end. S Shearer (2/13 off 8) replaced Hays and picked up where he left off, with MCC struggling at 6/60 and well behind the asking rate. James Gray (2/15 off 6) operated well following drinks and was well supported by Will Bonwick (1/17 off 8), as the MCC innings meekly dwindled out and finished at 8/109 off their 40 overs.
It was another solid effort from the 1st XI, with the bowling attack again impressing. There is still plenty of room for improvement approaching the business end of the season, which is also exciting. The boys have a bye this weekend, before taking on third placed Melbourne High in a Grand Final rematch in the final home and away fixture of the season in two weeks.
FULL SCORECARD
DIVISION TWO, ROUND 11, 2020-21 SEAON
OLD SCOTCH (132)
def. OLD TRINITY CC (9/123)
MATCH REVIEW
Following last weeks narrow loss, the fixture against bottom side Old Trinity became just as important as any other finals game. Winning the toss, OSCC had no hesitation in batting first.
Despite the early loss of Mark Griffiths and Charlie Schilling, Fraser Sutherland (20) and Tom Edney (12) battled hard to get the score back on track. When Tom Edney fell, the score was 3/52 and despite being in a commanding position, a further loss of 3/0, left us reeling at 6/52 and in desperate need of a partnership. In rolled Charlie Hocking (52*), who to date this season had an average of 1 and was seriously struggling to find form with the bat. Hock got away well and from there never looked back, with plenty of time to bat, Hock took control and guided us to a respectable total of 132. The importance of this innings to the overall outcome of our season cannot be undersold and Hock had done his best to give the bowlers something to work with.
The bowling innings started positively with Gary Bennett (1/11 off 8) and James Halse (4/19 off 8) getting us off to the perfect start to defend the low total. These two were well complimented by John Stavris (2/17 off 8), Justin Baumgarten (0/12 off 5) and Ryan Higgins (1/6 off 3) who bowled incredible tightly to have the score at 4/47 at the halfway mark. Despite being in serious control, Trinity battled on well to force the game to the final over, requiring 13 from it for victory. James Halse finished off the innings with 2 wickets to ensure victory and continue the twos rolling towards finals.
FULL SCORECARD