Scotch College

Eton comes to Scotch

While Christmas celebrations were continuing for many, on the 28th of December the Scotch 1st Eleven were attempting to emulate Australia's Boxing Day annihilation of the 'Poms' in their match against the prestigious Eton College.

In hot weather Ben Thompson of Eton won the toss and elected to bat on an immaculate Scotch wicket. The decision proved to be a wise one as Eton got off to a fantastic start scoring at a rapid rate, before Dunn halted the opener's progress in the 13th over when the score was on 52.

When the second Eton wicket fell on 66 the Scotch boys felt they were a chance of restricting the score to an obtainable target, however Nissen and captain Thompson piled on the runs, combining for a 101-run third wicket stand. However their free scoring partnership was cut short by a fantastic piece of fielding from McCann who threw the stumps down to dismiss Thompson.

Eton College went on to amass a mammoth target of 7/274 off 55 overs, with Nissen falling marginally short of a century when Fekete bowled him for 94. The best performer with the ball for Scotch was McKenna with 3 for 49.

Chasing down 274 was going to require a combination of good stroke play and preservation of wickets, however when the Scotch boys battled to 5 for 60 off 27 overs the total looked out of reach. Middle order defiance from Best with a solid yet dashing 53 and a patient 24 from opener Tummel put some respectability into the Scotch card but they were all out for 137 off 49 overs.

All Eton's bowlers finished with extremely economical figures, however the highlight of their performance was 5 for 22 off 11 overs from leg spinner, Westoll. His line and length was faultless all day. Despite the loss, the Scotch boys thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to match it with a side regarded as one of the best in England, and are looking forward to a possible rematch in coming years.

Paddy McKenna (Year 12)