Scotch College

It's not cricket!

Old Boys and their families are often willing to share their heritage with fellow members of the Scotch Family.

At a recent old Boys’ reunion, Ian Simpson (’45) produced a photo of a cricket ball. No ordinary cricket ball, it was the Scotch Dancing Prize in 1869, won by J catto, still in pristine condition and in the care of Ian’s cousin, Graeme Catto (’45). on the reverse side, hardly discernible, were the impregnated words, DARK and LORDS CRICKET GROUND. enquiries with the chairman of Kookaburra Sporting, Mr Bruce Thompson, found that it was made by Robert Dark in England. Dark cricket balls (and other equipment) were made between 1820 and 1880, in quarters and hand sewn.

Dr Jim Mitchell of the Scotch archives advises that this prize was linked to the title of captain of the Floor. But J (John) Catto was not just an accomplished dancer – he was Stroke of the crew in 1869 (second in the Head of the river), 1870 and 1871; he played in the First XI in 1869, 1870 and 1871, and was captain of cricket in the latter two years. He also played in the First XVIII in 1868, 1869, 1870 and 1871 (the latter two years as captain of Football).

It was written that ‘he is the finest all-rounder ever turned out by the Public Schools’. He subsequently followed pastoral pursuits and became a highly successful squatter. on his father’s death he renamed the family property along the Loddon river from ‘Catto’s run’ to ‘Memsie’. (His father was born in Memsie, Aberdeen in 1802).

John was greatly interested in horse racing and raced a number of them with considerable success. the Memsie Stakes run annually at Caulfield in August was named in his honour and first run in 1899.

And finally, recently many Scotch family members became aware that James Hird, Captain of Essendon Football Club had ballet lessons when he was at school. He said it taught him balance that was so beneficial with his football. How intriguing that both these champion athletes, 100 years apart, benefited from this activity. Surely this prize ball is yet a further jewel in the Scotch crown.

Geoffrey Tolson (’39)

It is cricket!

At the same reunion, another photo was donated by James Matchett (’41) now living in Ulverstone, Tasmania, it was the one he took of Ben Barnett (’25) going out to bat in the Old Boys versus Scotch match in 1940. The Old Boys won by two runs, 185 to 183, Ben made 33, LBW to Brooks Jackson and Geoff Collie (’35) top scored with 42. In Ben’s final year he was Probationer and Vice-Captain of the First XI. In this year, 1925, a new scoreboard for the Main Oval was erected at a cost of £120 and Ben was the first to record a century on this board, against Wesley.

Ben went on to have a long and distinguished career.

From School he moved directly into the Hawthorn-East Melbourne First XI, then to the Victorian side where he became the State’s wicketkeeper.

His promotion to the Australian Test side to tour England in 1938 as a batsman and wicket-keeper was yet further recognition of his ability. He played and kept wickets in all four Tests (the third Test was abandoned due to rain).

In the fourth Test, he scored 57 and supported Bradman to help Australia win and retain the Ashes. He also caught three and stumped two batsmen. On his return, he captained Victoria in 1939-40 before joining the Army. War was to take a large slice out of his life and cricket, as he was a POW in Changi jail for three years.

A quiet and much liked Australian batsman and wicketkeeper, it is ironic that at School, he played as a batsman and slow bowler, but he never kept wickets!

Geoffrey Tolson

Help wanted!

Scotch at Cowes flag

Does anyone have a photo? Please contact Jim Mitchell (details below).

Photo of the clock on the old Sports Pavilion Ôin focusÕ

Always in the background of sporting photographs, this clock is invariably out of focus.

Does anyone know where it is?

Henry Barkly Blanche

Information sought for an exhibition catalogue, National Gallery of Victoria. H. B. Blanche, 1859Ð1926, visiting master, teacher of drawing and painting, was employed on the staff of Scotch College at least in 1899. Blanche is known to have exhibited works of art and to have written for publication. His address at this time was Parnaroo, Orchard Road, North Brighton, where he also instructed private pupils, painting from nature, outdoor classes.