Victory over Trinity in first home match

SEASON 2023-24 ROUND 03

NOVEMBER 12, 2023

DIVISION ONE

OLD SCOTCH 1XI 4/133 (24)

def. OLD TRINITY 132 (38.2)

M. Sparks 42*, S. Shearer 26, H. Goad 4/14, L. Francis 1/22

The 1st XI were pumped for the first home fixture of the season on Sunday and were greeted by a delightful day and batting wicket on the Meares, for a fixture against Trinity. A young and strong side was named - including debuts for Hugo Boreham and George Lloyd, as well as returns for Harrison Goad and Lachie Francis.

After losing the toss, the boys were unsurprisingly asked to have a bowl and Goad and Francis kicked things off with the new ball. Despite the beautiful batting surface and lighting outfield, the Scotch attack bowled with discipline and purpose and were backed up exceptionally in the field. Goad was able to remove both openers quickly, and followed with a third, before a bit of a fightback from Trinity halted the momentum slightly. Through the middle, Sam Shearer and Will Clark kept the OT batting unit completely subdued and traveling around the three runs an over mark, before the spin of Mike Sparks and Charlie Loveridge was introduced just before drinks. The pair zoomed through 12 overs, and chipped in with a wicket each, leaving the OT innings feeling like it was almost over before really beginning. To restrict a solid Trinity lineup, including a Northcote 1st XI player who batted nicely, to 132 on a flat Meares track was an absolutely fantastic effort and an encouraging sign for what’s to come this season.

With the bat, the plan was clear - to play our natural game and apply pressure to the Trinity attack from the outset. Despite his recent form, Hamish Francis departed cheaply and Tom Kelly and Shearer quickly arrested momentum, with a flurry of boundaries before Shearer departed. From there Sparks, aided by cameos from Clark and Sam Dawborn, batted nicely and saw the side home with consummate ease.

A great performance, leading into another big game against Xavier this coming Sunday.

— Sam Shearer (1XI Captain)

DIVISION TWO

OLD SCOTCH 2XI 106 (30.4)

def. by OLD WESLEY 6/196 (40)

T. Whitelaw 38, T. Edney 32, G. Bennett 3/35, J. Stavris 1/11

The 2s were disappointing in their loss to Old Wesley at the weekend with their premiership hangover continuing for another week.

The shining light being of course Gary Bennett reaching the milestone of 500 club wickets, which continues to be more unbelievable the more you think about it. Gary is without doubt a club legend and we hope he continues to torment the opposition for many years to come.

Old Wesley posted a strong 6/196 after their 40 overs with the boys dropping 5 catches in the field in a day of ‘what could have been’ seeing Wesley capitalize on the errors from our boys.

With the bat we were equally disappointing, despite the efforts of Whitelaw (38) and Edney (32) the remaining 9 batsmen managed just 28 with the stick as we never looked likely to chase the total.

The lads also farewelled club stalwart James Halse as he prepares to jet off overseas and commence a new chapter in his life. Jim will be missed by all, bar those facing him in the nets, due to his pace and ‘unpredictability’.

We will regroup and come back stronger next week.

— John Stavris (2XI Captain)