Scotch College

Old Scotch Clubs

Schoolboys and Old Boys combine at crosscountry running event

Scotch finished second in the Associated Public Schools Challenge race held under wintry conditions at Melbourne's Tan Track on 1 May 2004. This race is unique in that it combines the efforts of the Open school crosscountry team with those of the Old Boys over distances of 4 and 8kms respectively. The event has a great atmosphere and is a chance for schoolboys and Old Boys to mingle, given that their respective crosscountry competitions are normally held separately. The scores of the fastest six school finishers and top four Old Boys are tallied, with the lowest total score winning the event. Scotch finished behind Xavier but soundly beat St. Kevins and Wesley.

The current crop of School crosscountry athletes is showing more than a little promise with Luke Stokes (12.19) and Darcy Long ('05) (12.58) both breaking the 13 minute barrier with Cam Beatty ('05) (13.07) not far behind. In the Old Boys' race, Peter Simm ('93) has hit great form, again finishing 7th in 27.32 for 8km and Sam Curry finished 19th. The school athletes were on this occasion the stronger link in the combined outcome!

Old Scotch competes in both the Associated Public Schools crosscountry competition during the winter season, which runs from April to September each year. Events range from 4 to 21km and the competition is well organised, very social and takes place at interesting venues around Melbourne. Many talented former schoolboys compete with the club. However, it also caters for athletes of varying ages and abilities. If schoolboys or any members of the Scotch Family are interested in participating, please contact Mark Purvis on 0407 526 622 or Ross Becroft on 9489 2468.

The Old Scotch Athletic Club was also fortunate to have Olympian and Australian Champion hurdler Rohan Robinson speak at its AGM in April. Rohan finished fifth in Atlanta in 1996 in the 400m hurdles. He spoke about the training and racing regime of an elite athlete and this was very instructive for Old Scotch club members.

Rohan is pictured left with Old Scotch sprinter and former School Captain Tom Cade ('99).

Ross Becroft
President

Our weekend of 36,104 steps

Thirtyseven Old Scotch bushwalkers managed to walk 36,104 steps and cover 28.87km during a recent weekend of walks at Marysville. This is according to Graham Stanley's ('60) step counter, and the steps are his!

The two excellent walks during the weekend were to Steavenson Falls and three lookouts on the Saturday, and to Phantom Falls and return on the Sunday (quite steep!).

As the photo shows, or at least one walker - Norman McLeod ('59) - the 36,104 steps were just a little tiring.

Jan Manley
Bushwalking Club

No trophy, but great fun

Once again the 47 playing members of the Bowls Club had a most enjoyable season, playing 11 games for six wins and five losses, with the Caulfield Grammarians game unfortunately having to be cancelled.

The 17 members who travelled to the West Brighton Bowls Club for the annual match had their spirits dampened by the poor weather, hich caused the cancellation of the bowls - but were lifted by the excellent lunch and fellowship.

Regrettably we narrowly failed to retain the PSOB Tournament Trophy, so we finished runners up on a countback to Carey in a fourway tie for first place with Wesley and Melbourne Grammar.

Fortyfive people attended our annual luncheon on 19 March, including life member Keith Wilson ('26) and his wife Marjorie, and guests OSCA Executive Director Tim Shearer ('85) and Events Coordinator Monika Matlik. Life Member Oxley Jones ('30) was an apology.

We'd love to hear from Old Boys wanting to join us for the odd game and great fellowship. Please contact Secretary Ray Cox (9809 1286) or President Manson Russel (9809 1054).

Manson Russel
President

Tennis Club has mixed results

Our four teams in the Past Student Tennis Association 2004 Winter competition is meeting with mixed success with teams in A grade, B Reserve grade, and 2 teams in B grade Doubles Only.

The ladder positions as at 5 June are: A Grade is struggling at 9th position B Special Grade is in 6th position Doubles Only Blue team is in 1st position Doubles only Gold team is in 2nd position

Social tennis continues throughout the Winter with at least 2 courts available for those players who like the flexible format during Saturday afternoons from 1.00pm

In March our President Colin Simpson ('49) presented 25 sportsmanship trophies to members of the School tennis teams. It is pleasing to see that tennis is booming at Scotch. School Leavers are welcome to join the Club.

The Club Championships were held on 20 March - Singles; and on 27 March - Doubles.

Winners were -Singles: Peter Snelson. Doubles A Grade: Peter Snelson and Don McClean ('52) Doubles B Grade: Allan Lewis and Ian Richardson The PSTA Annual John Hill Tournament was held at the Melbourne Park Tennis Centre on 3 April. Players from all of the Clubs participated with Old Scotch providing many of the players. Neville Haughton ('53) and Neil Scott ('54) were winners of the veterans doubles section.

Ian Richardson and Alan Lewis	Peter Snelson and Don McClean