Scotch College

Old Scotch Cricket Club

This year has been a reasonable year on the field for both teams but as was the case last year, both teams have missed the finals by one or two wins. The blues had a solid start with a good win over Wesley and then an excellent run chase against Old Melbournians. The consistent bowling performances of John and Evan Toward as well as Gavin Williams have given the Blues many chances to win, but only captain Don McLennan and Wicketkeeper Andrew Ladbury have found any form with the bat. Don McLennan scoring an unbeaten 77 in the Reds-Blues match on the main before Christmas.

The Reds were unable to capitalise on good bowling performances before Christmas, unable to chase 200 and 184 against Caulfield and Haileybury. Another poor performance against Caulfield's second team, with only Al Jones 4 wickets and Sammy Goldenberg 53 showing any real form, was followed by an outstanding batting display at Xavier where the team amassed 359. 65 from Evan Hunter and 77 from Donald Parton, headlined the batting effort, but the Reds were beaten in the second last over the following week.

The Reds-Blues game was again the highlight of the year with a two day match scheduled in the last round before Christmas. The Reds made 298 on the opening day, they were in trouble at 5 for 90 but 106 from Donald Parton and 42 from Al Jones carried the side to a respectable first day score on a reasonably flat pitch. For the Blues Evan and John Toward bowled extremely well without luck and Dave Logan picked up three early wickets with his accurate leg spin. On the second day the temperature soared and at one stage hit 37 but the Blues were unable to capitalise. Gary Bennett tore threw the top order to get the first five batsmen out with the score under 100. The Blues struggled from then on with Don McLennan being the only batsman to get on top of the bowling, the Blues all out for 219. For the second consecutive year the Reds have won the trophy.

The Reds then took on OM's and rolled the visitors on a very green Meares oval pitch for 147, James Hare and Evan Hunter both collecting four wickets. The run chase was completed fairly comfortably to give the reds a second win of the season.

During the last week of January a combined Reds-Blues team took on the School first XI.

As usual the school provided an excellent standard of play and duly won the match passing the old boy's score of 184 in the 27th over. Only Andrew Ladbury and Nick Simon made any real impression on the school's bowling.

Reds then ventured out to Trinity. Trinity batted first, collapsing to be all out for 38, with Al Jones and Gary Bennett bowling through the innings. Al got 3 wickets and Gary 4. With early wickets falling for the Reds, out debutant Julian Ayres steadied the ship, making an impressive 59, ably supported by Ben Serong (36) & Donald Parton (32). Reds were dismissed for 165 and then unfortunately Trinity ended up winning the game outright. The final round was a wet affair against Old Wesley with Scotch failing to make the required runs, after Wesley set a fair target of 224 off their 40 overs.

Easter 2003

The Old Scotch Cricket Club will head north this Easter for the 50th Ashes series between Scotch old boys and Scots old boys. As usual many festivities are planned but this year more than ever will be a celebration of the growing history between the two clubs. Being the 50th year, Sydney Scots are hosting the veterans and have organised a number of functions.

Games

Easter Saturday. April 19.

Old Scotch v Sydney Scots,

on Main Oval at The College.

12.30pm start in Victoria Rd Bellevue Hill.

Easter Sunday. April 20.

Veterans Game, Old Scotch v Sydney Scots on Main Oval at The College, 12.30pm

Easter Monday. April 21.

Old Scotch v Sydney Scots,

on Main Oval at The College. 12.30pm start

The traditional, semi-formal dinner, will be held on Monday night at the College, with presentations and many stories to be told, not only from the present games but as far back as 1953 when the inaugural Old Scotch v Sydney Scots Easter carnival began.

We encourage all veterans and present players to attend, with a large contingent of Sydney Scots veterans involved.

Fundraising 2003 …

The Club is also looking for sponsors, with benefits to include signage at matches, representation in Great Scot and newsletters.

Gary Bennett (President)

0419 329 200

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Australia Day Cricket Match

On a sweltering Australia Day at the Hume & Hovell Cricket Ground, many Old Scotch Boys battled it out in the heat during the 8th annual event.

Each player must bowl an over, except the wicket keeper in the 7 over innings. Four teams played in the 14 over games and first year entrant "The Eccentrics" won on a points countback from Lennie Pascoe's 8 digits, captained by Wes Malcolm ('91).

Wes was named player of the series after making 47 runs, not out (21, 6, 20).

Tim Holt ('91) had the best bowling figures of 3 for 14 off 3 overs. Liam McDonnell ('91) also proved handy with the willow making 23 runs off 1 over!

A Jacket and tie dinner followed the match, which was attended by 30 people well into the early hours of the morning. If you would like to play next year, please contact Tim Picken, Wes Malcolm or

Gus McQueen on 9822 7779 for details.

Gus McQueen ('91)