Big runs puts Melbournians to the sword

SEASON 2022-23 ROUND 1

FEBRUARY 12, 2023

DIVISION ONE

OLD SCOTCH CC 4/292 (40)

def. OLD MELBOURNIANS 8/126 (40)

C Hemp 133, J Wiseman 59, W Clark 3/49

Round 13 saw the First XI tackle old foes Old Melburnians, in yet another top of the table clash, on a lovely Sunday arvo on the Melville Oval. The toss was won by skipper Sam Shearer and there was not a whole lot of hesitation when selecting to bowl - considering the quality of the surface and the hangover levels of one or two of the boys.

The new OSCC opening pair of Cam Hemp (133) and debutant James Wiseman (59) launched an immediate assault on the OM’s opening pair, dispatching boundaries to all parts and scoring at 10 an over through the powerplay. It was a fair sight to behold and both boys batted beautifully, combining for a 20 over 150 run stand before Wiseman fell as drinks were called. This setback didn’t hold back Hemp in any way, combining with Shearer (48) in another stand close to 100 and bringing up a superb maiden OSCC ton. It was a magnificent knock from the talented left-hander and came at a big time in the season for the club. Mike ‘80s’ Sparks came in for the final 10 overs or so, running hard and putting the icing on the cake of an imposing total of 292 with 32 not out of his own. It was a phenomenal batting display, thanks largely to the superb Hemp century.

With the quality of the surface and the OM’s batting unit, the total was still in need of being defended. Despite an early flurry of boundaries, young tyro Joel Bennett (2/21) was able to break through twice with the new ball and have OSCC well and truly on top. All bowlers chipped in and played their part, showing good discipline on the Melville highway, and were able to squeeze the life out of the OM’s response, which petered out to end at 8/216. Spearhead Will Clark (3/49) returned to snag a few late ones, in a nice reward for his efforts.

It was a great performance from the boys, but bigger matches and challenges await!

— Sam Shearer (1XI Captain)

DIVISION TWO

OLD SCOTCH CC 6/136 (29.2)

def. OLD XAVERIANS 8/135 (40)

M Griffiths 68*, N Buckley 3/22

The twos looked to cement their place in the finals with a win over Old Xavier. Losing the toss, we were sent into the field on what was a hot summer day. Despite no early breakthrough, Nick Buckley (3/22 off 8) and Will Easton (2/24 off 7) continued their hot form and had restricted the Xav’s opening pair to not many. The first wicket came from a full-stretched one handed catch at short cover from the Skipper, to provide a well deserved breakthrough for the hard work. Despite no wickets falling in the middle overs, tight bowling ensured that Xavier were unable to full capitalise on the game. When the second wicket fell, the score was on 90 after almost 30 overs. Xavier had to push from this point, which allowed our bowlers into the game. Eddie Shearer (2/9 off 3) pushed hard, which continually falling wickets meant that Xavier limped to 8/135 after the 40.

With the bat it was all about one man. Mark Griffiths 68* showed once again why he is so vitally important to this team, dispatching many of the Xavier bowlers to all parts of the ground while others fell around him. Griffo was assisted by Charlie Schilling 13, Mitch Sennitt 23 and Hugh Longbottom 13, but he was the one to make sure we got home in what was a great knock in 29.2 overs. With other results going our way, we now sit 2nd with a victory in the last game this weekend ensuring a home semi final.

— John Stavris (2XI Captain)