Scotch College

Gassers take on the Slashers for bushfire relief

Words: Mr David Hays

What a gas! Not to make a cutting remark, but a cricket match between the Gassers (anaesthetists) and the Slashers (surgeons) on the Scotch Main Oval on 29 March helped to raise the tidy sum of $13,075 for the Scotch College bushfire relief appeal. Both teams contained many old boys or current parents.

The wicket was prepared by Mick Smith and was said to be playing like day one of a test match. This was a test match—

Gassers versus Slashers. 24 of Melbourne’s anaesthetists and surgeons had come together on Saturday 29 March at Scotch College’s main oval to do battle and raise money for the Scotch College bushfire relief appeal. Willow was to be wielded and leather dispatched.

The day was sponsored by Rohan Aujard (Pulse Pharmacy). Catering was provided by St Vincents Mercy Private Hospital and raffle items were donated by Crazy John and Woodworm cricket equipment. A number of old boys were playing. They included David Hays, Peter Hays, Mal Tyers, Geoff Steele, Colin McKenzie and Peter Keast. Assisting the Gassers and Slashers on the day were Shaun Graf (Cricket Victoria) and Rodney Hogg, both who had represented Australia in the past.

The Gassers won the toss and sent the Slashers in to bat. Billy Sheahan, an international and state cricket umpire as well as James Dunn (3AW) had both volunteered their services for the day. They were quietly overheard on several occasions offering support (sledging!) a number of batsmen and bowlers on technique and ability. The surgeons were often seen slashing outside off stump while the anaesthetists were sometimes caught napping in the field.

The Slashers were all out for 98 (P.Lugg 19 P.Girdlestone 2/8 P.Hays 2/6). The Gassers replied with 9/133 (C.McKenzie 29 ret S.Nicolson 23 ret C.Norsworthy 2/20 S.Banting 2/8) and won the inaugral Gassers v Slashers cricket match.

Throughout the day both teams were ably supported by parents, wives, partners, daughters, sons and friends. In particular Gaby Lyons, John Hays and Dick Grutzner all did a great job organizing the BBQ and collecting money. The day resulted in 3 torn hamstrings, 2 groin injuries, 1 torn quadriceps tendon, a grazed cheek, numerous torn heart muscles and plenty of bruised egos!

Thanks go to everyone involved, particularly to Scotch College and the curators, Mick and Dallas, who allowed us all to enjoy the wonderful Main Oval. GS