Scotch College

Salmon, strawberries and sunny skies during cricket tour

Scotch Senior Cricket Development Squad completed a successful tour of England and Wales during June and July, with each new day bringing unforgettable cricketing, cultural and heritage experiences.

Time spent in the sunny northern hemisphere summer was brilliant, with the boys playing cricket matches hosted by many of the oldest and most respected of English schools. Games played in villages and towns also provided excellent motivation for cricket skill development.

The boys were entertained regally by their hosts, feasting at times on salmon and strawberries in the best English tradition in a range of quaint cricket pavilions, many dating far back in time.

The team played 10 matches winning three, drawing one and losing six. This was a pleasing result, given that the squad of 14 contained only five players with First XI experience and the fact we were continually matched against first XIs from the strongest and largest English schools.

Two of the greatest memories on the field were of playing the Royal Household Cricket Club in the grounds of Windsor Castle, with Queen Elizabeth II passing twice on her way to and from Royal Ascot races; and the match against Eton College on their prestigious Upper Club Oval. Both venues are steeped in history and many a tale was to be told by opposition players and supporters.

There were opportunities for sightseeing in between cricket matches, allowing the boys to visit many of the major tourist attractions. The age and grandeur of many old churches and buildings were a constant source for comment and admiration.

The boys enjoyed tours of many a major attraction, including a conducted bus tour of London, a trip to Lord’s Cricket Ground and Museum, trips to Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London, and many other famous places.

Although the squad was selected from three year levels, Years 9, 10 and 11, it soon formed into a homogeneous group of caring friends whose interest, enthusiasm and behaviour was beyond reproach.

The best performer with the bat was Maurice Clayton with 89 (Sutton Valance), 101 not out (Tonbridge School) and 99 (Cranleigh); and with the ball, Matthew Grose who took 16 wickets with a best performance of 4 for 41 against Eton.

All of the boys made worthwhile contributions. James Bowden with some solid batting and outstanding fielding, Nick Cox as a developing batsman with some consistent scores, Sam Cruickshanks with his determined 53 against Wellington College, Ayrton Eldridge with impressive bowling and some solid batting displays, Tom Gelling as a reliable and accurate bowler, James Long as a determined batsman, Fraser Macfarlane, who showed a lot of character as a batsman, and Paul McConnochie, Tim Melville, Kaine Reynolds and Will Strange as valuable all-rounders.

The leadership of Daniel Wolfe both on and off the field was exceptional. Daniel scored 42 against Sutton Valance in a valuable 111-run partnership. Mr. John Murphy’s support as team coach was invaluable.

The boys returned to Melbourne both excited and a little weary, appreciative of the marvellous opportunities afforded them as cricketing tourists representing Scotch College and keen to recount three weeks of adventure to family and friends.

Ian Banks
TeacherIn Charge of Cricket (tour organiser)