Scotch College

Cricketers run out of luck

Cricketers run out of luck

Captain Will Elliott was philosophical about the success of the recently completed cricket season. Perchance to dream.

If some stardust had brought us just an extra 15 runs and one extra wicket, serendipitously distributed, then the season would have taken on an entirely different perspective, so close were many of the games contested.

It justifies the use of the cliché - so near and yet so far. It was a season in which Mr. Murphy ensured that the balance of luck went firmly against our team, which is very character building, but not very satisfying. Disappointing it is true, but much good has come from Mr Gary Peckham's first season as coach.

Will Elliott lead from the top, scoring 615 runs at 61.5 including a century against Melbourne Grammar, but appeared to lack confidence in his bowling. He was well supported by School Captain Tim Downing, who played only seven games but managed 385 runs at 48.1 and took 17/291 at 17.1. The Vice- captain had a disappointing season compared with the standards that he had set in the previous two, but scored a fine century against Wesley and 85 against Geelong Grammar, totalling 298 at an average of 27.1. He also took 8/168, averaging 21 with the ball.

Tim Downing's four years in the team have yielded 1468 runs at 47.4, 92 wickets at 14.2, which makes him one of the most consistently successful all-rounders in the Scotch College's history. Will Elliott just 'pipped' Tim Downing for the Cohen Trophy.

However, 'our sun is never set, we have heroes with us yet', Mark Simpson in Year 10, had an excellent first season, emulating that of Tim Downing in 1995-96, scoring 194 runs at 32.3 and taking 13/133 with the ball to win the bowling average with 10.23.

So roll on season 1999 - 2000.

Mr Dick Briggs, Archivist