After the heroics of last week where the boys made a statement against the always powerful Old Xavs with a thumping win for the ages, the semi final clash between the same two opponents was eagerly anticipated. But it was not to be.
Matthew Dickinson in his last hours as an Old Scotch cricketer whipped his teammates into a frenzy as they trained the house down on Thursday in search of redemption to avenge last seasons semi final loss to the Xavs and to keep the flag dream alive.
But the weather Gods had the last say, with Saturday night's storm and gale force winds ripping the covers off at Xavier's Barkers Road Oval, thus rendering play impossible on the sodden wicket.
All attempts to find an alternative venue on Sunday morning came to nought, as most potentially available venues around the city suffered a similar fate. By 10am, it was fait accomplis - Old Xavier would march into next weeks grand final due to their superior ladder position. Thus, the Old Scotch Cricket Club season came to an abrupt and unsatisfying conclusion.
As painful as a semi final loss is to bear, there is always the knowledge that your opponent was simply too good on the day. To have your season terminated by inclement weather is a particularly bitter pill to swallow, as it throws up so many "what ifs" that can drive a sane man to drink (not that any of our lads need any encouragement in that regard!)
So the season is over...and a lingering sadness has gripped those that hearts beat Old Scotch. But, in this hour of soul searching, one must not overlook the magnificent achievements that the season threw up.
In no particular order of merit:
Old Scotch skipper Tom Murray was the stand out batsman in the MCC competition yet again. For those of you who have not ventured out to a game to watch this lad bat, you seriously do not know what you are missing. Tom Murray set bench marks in excellence that are an inspiration to his club mates and the envy of the competition. Murray's magical 102 in round 3 versus Old Melburnians was as close to flawless batting as you could ever hope to witness.
Gary Bennett has shown that the Hollywood creation Benjamin Button isn't the only one ageing backwards. Bennett blew away opposition top orders as has been his wont for the last two decades. The wickets kept falling and Bennett once again sits on top of the Old Scotch tree for bowling averages. What would we do without him?
Sam Shearer this season took further strides with bat and ball to show the MCC world that he is on the road to a level of all round excellence that only the elite few are lucky enough to achieve. Sharing in a monster 176 run partnership in Round 7 against Old Haileybury with Matt Dickinson, Shearer's brilliant 97 was an exciting reminder of the talent this lad possesses.
Stalwart opening batsman Tom Whitelaw was the rock at the top of the order and produced some wonderful innings under pressure. Whitelaw consistently got starts with a sparkling 63 against Old Geelong in Round 13 being a highlight.
Old Scotch's resident buccaneer George Dick played some barnstorming innings when available, and is a lynch pin in next seasons flag push. A typically bellicose 66 not out against Old Melbournians in Round 3 only served to remind everytone of George Dick's talent.
Returning premiership hero Tim Hosking showed he has lost nothing in his absense with bat and ball and added exciting new dimensions to the team. 6 for 17 verus Old Xav's in Round 14 and two scores of 41 underlined Hosk's importance to the team.
Young tyro Cam Melville was used only in parts, but when given the chance to shine, showed just why everyone is raving about this kid. A wonderful 42 in Round 4 against Melbourne Uni articulated the class that Melly oozes.
Will Hays bowled furiously fast as did Saffer Andy Fairman...a dangerous new ball pairing to take the club forward in future seasons. Allrounders Chris Nutter and Vikas Choudhary were as cunning with ball and attacking with the bat as ever.
Last, but not least, Matty Dickinson's unmatched enthusiasm for the contest and considerable skill with the willow throughout the season left an indellible memory of season 2014/15. We shall all miss him as he returns to Blighty.
Our boys were denied a shot at the ultimate prize through no fault of their own, but they gave us all many great moments to inspire confidence in the future.
Until preseason training brings us all together again...