It was a glorious weekend for the Old Scotch cricket club as the A-Team demolished Old Trinity out at the Trinity playing fields by 9 wickets, and on Sunday a brilliant Hayden Tilbrook century saw the Celebrities cruise to a big 78 run win over Melbourne High Old Boys at Scotch College.
At Trinity, Old Trinity batted first on a tricky wicket ands were skittled for a paltry 88 in the face of some miserly bowling from the A-Team bowling group who shared the honours around. Skipper Matthew Grose and Sam Shearer captured three wickets apiece, and young tyro Will "Doc" Bonwick claimed two scalps.
All that was left to do, was to mop up the runs and bank the win. Old Trinity can never be underestimated, especially at home, so it was going to be a fight. But, Matty Mitchell and Seb Armstrong burst out of the blocks, and when Armstrong was dismissed to a freakish tumbling one handed catch. Mitchell and Shearer careered towards the victory target smashing boundaries at will, with Shearer hoisting spinner Tyson out of the ground for a towering six to finish proceedings with a bang.
Matt Mitchell finished on 43 not out and Sam Shearer 26 not out, as the victory target was achieved in the 15th over in what was an unrelenting onslaught. The victory leaves the A-Team well placed as far as finals are concerned, with the wins coming regularly.
Over at Scotch on Sunday, Hayden "Diamond" Tilbrook played the innings of his life as he compiled a near faultless 111 as the Old Scotch batsmen cashed in scoring 3 for 242 off 40 overs, Fraser Sutherland smashed 43 not out and the legendary Sam "Jetstar" Neil helped himself to a hard hitting 40. Melbourne High Old Boys came out blazing, scoring at 9 an over and at drinks, were well placed to pull off an incredible run chase. But, with the run rate mounting and the Celebrities tightening up in the field, the Scotchies held on for a big 78 run win.
John Stavris starred with the ball capturing four wickets and there were even contributions all round in a resounding win that gives the boys an outside chance of playing finals if the momentum can be maintained. The day, however belonged to Tilbrook who batted beautifully and scored an emotional century in front of incredible scenes from the sidelines. It is a day that will live on in the memory bank for years to come.
This Australia Day long weekend, the A Team take on Old Caulfield at Caulfield Park on Sunday to catch up on a game that was postponed Round 1, while the Celebrities have the weekend off.
Come along and support the boys, as it is always appreciated.