Scotch College

Soccer Club well prepared for new season

Words: TIM WARD

Despite the ongoing drought conditions, the Old Scotch Soccer Club has been able to train at its new home of H A Smith Reserve since mid-January, and scheduled a number of pre-season practice matches there too – something many other clubs couldn’t do, due to their ground use restrictions.

In addition, and for the first time, OSSC hosted the pre-season Old Boys’ Cup on the same ground, which was a great chance to see how their schoolboy rivals were faring. It was also an excellent opportunity for the club to raise some much-needed funds to pay for new equipment and strips ahead of the 5 April season opener.

In hot 30+ degree temperatures it was going to be a tough day for both squads, and by day’s end the results could not have been more contrasting for both teams. The reserves couldn’t manage a win in their four round-robin games, and so departed shortly after lunch. The seniors strolled into the final with wins over Old Carey and Old Brighton, as well as draws against Old Trinity and Old Melbourne, with some neatly taken goals by Dave Fielding and Nick Jewitt highlights for the opening rounds.

Their opponents were current Old Boys’ trophy holders Old Melbourne, who scraped through to the final with a late goal, to ensure the decider would be played between the top two ranked Old Boys’ clubs in Victoria. The final was played very tight, and although no goals were scored it was a highly entertaining match with chances at both ends.

The penalty shoot-out looked like going to Old Melbourne until reserve keeper and 2007 best and fairest winner, Mike Oldroyd, saved two shots to give OSSC the edge. New boy Chris Harley converted the winner to send Old Scotch into raptures. A highly successful day for the seniors on the pitch and for OSSC off the pitch meant the club was likely to put its hand up to host the event once again next season.

After the Cup the boys played another practice match against Plenty Valley and won 2-0 in the reserves and 5-0 in the seniors, ahead of the Easter break.

The annual open-day event at Toorak Bowls Club on Sunday 30 March was a great opportunity for players, members, family and friends to let their hair down, take their shoes off and have a fun day of bowling in the sun ahead of the season’s start the following week.

Please note: plenty of places are still available for anyone wanting to join Old Scotch Soccer Club for season 2008. With up to four teams due to participate this season there is sure to be a spot for everyone to play. We hope to see you down at the club soon! GS