F I R S T X I
OLD SCOTCH 1XI 4/145 (25.4)
def. SOUTH CAULFIELD 8/139 (40)
S. DAWBORN 38, M. SPARKS 36*, L. FRANCIS 5/40, C. LOVERIDGE 2/16
After a delayed restart to the year, we were finally able to get back on the park after a great Christmas break. Coming up against South Caulfield and with a strong side in, we knew we could regain our momentum and get going ahead of finals.
We were bowling first and on a fast outfield and a decent pitch, we had to bowl well early to set ourselves up for success. Nick Sparks and Lachie Francis took the new ball and got us off to a brilliant start with Nick Sparks producing an unplayable spell of 0/8 off 5 and Lach was back to his dangerous, wicket taking best producing 3 unbelievable deliveries all leading to early scalps. After great opening spells we had them 3/30 after 9 overs. We were able to maintain pressure through the rest of the innings with our bowlers continuing where we left off last year, Will Bonwick (1/19) and Charlie Loveridge (2/16) bowled wonderfully together as we were able to constrict South Caulfield to 139 after there 40 overs. Big Kudos must go to Lachie Francis who got great reward for his efforts as he was able to claim 5/40 off his 8.
With only a short total to chase down, discussions of BP were ripe in the innings break. What we didn’t expect was South Caulfield to have brought in 2 rapid opening bowlers for this week! South Caulfield were aggressive and bowled very well early, but our openers where able to match and got us off to a strong start once again before Hammer fell in the 8th with the score at 1/42. Mike Sparks and Sam Dawborn were able to wrestle back some momentum until Dawborn was dismissed for a well made 38. South Caulfield with their tails up were able to pick up another 2 wickets with Clark walking to the crease at 4/92 and facing a hatrick ball. What ensued next was fairly unexpected. An aggressive counter-attack from Pig led to him plundering boundaries all over the park including 2 big sixes. Clark (35* off 17) and Sparks (36*) got the boys home after a rapid fire partnership of 54 off 36.
In the end, another convincing Win for the 1s as we look to gain some momentum before a big final 4 games and finals.
— Will Clark (1XI Captain)
S E C O N D X I
OLD SCOTCH 2XI 128 (39)
def. by OLD TRINITY 8/130 (31.2)
T. FISH 31*, T. LOVERIDGE 21, L. APPU 3/23, H. PARSONS 2/15
In a thrilling contest, Old Scotch Cricket Club 2XI fell short by just 2 wickets against Old Trinity, despite a valiant effort with both bat and ball. Batting first, OSCC struggled to get going after losing several early wickets due to run outs, putting the team in a precarious position early on.
The innings was steadied by Tom Loveridge 21, and Thomas Polkinghorne, who contributed 18. However, consistent wickets continued to fall, and the inability to string together partnerships kept the pressure on the batting side. Tom Fish, in the midst of a challenging situation, played an invaluable knock of 31* that showcased his maturity and patience under pressure. His composed innings was complemented by Joel Bennett (13) and John Stavris (10), with the tail contributing just enough to lift OSCC to a defendable total of 128, finishing at 10/128 off 39 overs.
In response, Old Trinity made a strong start, racing to 0/54, and at that point, it appeared as though the game was slipping away from OSCC. However, the bowlers dug deep, with Harry Parsons leading the charge with impressive figures of 2/15 off 8 overs. Sam Harle (2/33 off 8) and Laxman Appu (3/23 off 6) followed suit, bowling exceptionally well to drag the game back in OSCC’s favor. Their efforts reduced Old Trinity to a vulnerable position, but the required runs were always within reach, and Trinity eventually reached the target, finishing at 8/130 in 31.2 overs.
Despite a valiant comeback with the ball, OSCC couldn’t quite make enough runs to defend the modest total. This loss leaves the 2XI in a vulnerable position for the finals race, but the team remains determined to fight on in the remaining matches.
— John Stavris (2XI Captain)
T H I R D X I
OLD SCOTCH 3XI 127 (36.1)
def. by OLD TRINITY 159 (40)
F. MORRISBY 39, H. JAPP 25, B. BALOT 3/20, F. STRONG 3/22
IWinning the toss Old Scotch elected to bowl first. The pitch was Green yet firm. Strongy gathered our first wicket early however Trinity managed despite early concerned to work their way to 2/92 at drinks. Post drinks Balot was introduced to the attack, who produced a valuable 3 wicket haul. Strong, Fyfe and Mclellan helped clean up the tail order and we were left chasing 160.
Palazzo (13) and Morrisby (39) opened the batting followed by Japp (25) and were effective when running between the wicket and putting away bad balls got us off to a terrific start at 2-78. However the pitch was begging to deteriorate which varying bounce which proved very difficult to bat on. After being 3-100 we were all out for 127. An unfortunate loss however Old Scotch sit 3rd on the ladder as they seek their maiden finals berth.
— Nic Bennett (3XI Captain)
Comments