BOWLED OVER

Scotch Cricket newsletter Vol. 9 No. 8 2 March 2017

ELUSIVE OUTRIGHT VICTORY CEMENTS SCOTCH FIRST XI IN TOP PLACE

The Scotch First XI secured a rare outright victory against their Noah and Charlie applied themselves well again the next day and Caulfield opponents last Saturday. The comprehensive win earned put together a match winning partnership of 126. Noah was the ag- the team maximum points and has seemingly secured their position gressor with excellent timing and stokes all around the wicket and at the top of the APS ladder. The boys again applied themselves Charlie displayed outstanding concentration to blunt the Caulfield with impressive determination and put together an irresistible all attack. Noah unfortunately was out on 87 and Charlie followed soon round performance that simply overwhelmed their opposition. With after for 32 but the damage was done. both bat and ball this team has shown throughout the season a Will Sutherland went on the attack making a quick fire 48 as we quality that has set them apart from the competition. The coachs’ passed the total and looked to build a small buffer in the hope of relentless emphasis on continued improvement has undoubtedly chasing an outright win. The lead was 52 as we sent the opposition impacted on each member of the team. As a unit the growth in con- back in. fidence and ability throughout the season has been palpable. With a It was slow going early on as Caulfield dug in and while the boys bye this week and the long weekend break the week after the boys toiled hard we struggled to make the breakthrough. Will Lovell have an extended break from match play but we can be sure that snuck one through the defence to grab an LBW. With the score at 1 coaching staff will be working them hard at training so that they will for 41 Will Sutherland raised the tempo with some aggressive fast be at the peak of their powers for the remaining two rounds of the bowling, having the opposition ducking and weaving. A flurry of APS season. GO SCOTCH!! wickets came as a result of the increased intensity with Lovell, Suth- erland and Cormack getting wickets leaving the score at 4 for 43. MATCH REPORT (John Murphy/Jay Baker) After the afternoon tea break the boys came out fired up and we Scotch College 8/199 (Croes 87, Sutherland 48, C.Loveridge 32) consistently made break throughs keeping the crowd interested and and 2/40 defeated Caulfield Grammar 147 (Sutherland 3/30, Cor- the possibility of an outright was still a possibility. A direct hit run out mack 3/38, C.Loveridge 2/9,Lovell 2/23) and 88 (Sutherland 4/25, from Lachie Bangs really lifted the group as Caulfield were defend- Lovell 3/32) ing grimly as they tried to hang on. Charlie Loveridge bowled 11 Caulfield Grammar won the toss and elected to bat on an over- overs for just 3 runs. cast Friday afternoon. After moving steadily to 21 without loss Char- With an hour to play and 16 overs left in the game Scotch threw lie Cormack made the initial break through. As often happens in everything at the opposition with pace from one end and spin from cricket one wicket brings another immediately and Will Lovell joined the other, and fielders all around the bat. The score was 7 for 87 in having found the edge and Noah Croes safely took the when Chris Jackson struck with a timely LBW. He had bowled 3 catch. With a little bit of sideways movement and a hungry Scotch overs and taken 1/0. group the boys got on a roll and all of a sudden the opposition were Skipper Sutherland steamed in from around the wicket, courtesy of scrambling to get the pads on with the score at 5 for 33. Will Suther- some hand signals from father on the sidelines as we looked to land was the main destroyer in this period. knock over the last two batsmen and that he did in consecutive A missed run out opportunity allowed Caulfield to get a partnership balls. A gloved ball to leg gully followed by a clean bowled, and the going with some clean ball striking and unfortunately for us wayward boys charged into the dressing room with the atmosphere electric. bowling. As has been the case throughout the season the Captain We had bowled Caulfield out for 88 and therefore needed 37 runs stood up when we needed him and got the wicket, caught Croes off six overs to claim the outright win, and a valuable 10 points. bowled Sutherland (a very regular line in the scorebook). Caulfield Noah Croes and Will Sutherland opened up and we flew out of the had a good period leading up to the lunch break scoring freely and blocks with ten runs off the first over. We moved closer toward the taking the game up to us, as the score moved to 6 for 126. target with clever running and clean ball striking. Both Noah and Will Scotch started well after the break with some tight bowling and were run out pushing a bit hard for extra runs. Their selflessness good defensive fielding. This led to Charlie Loveridge finding the and team first mentality was apparent to all. Both are great leaders, edge and Will Clark cleaning up with a sharp catch at slip. This was terrific young men and play cricket darn well also. followed by a caught and bowled to Loveridge and as Cormack Lachie Bangs then took the heat out of the game with a few charac- mopped up the tail with two quick wickets the opposition were all out teristic lusty blows, including a six to win that landed flush in a rub- for 148. bish bin as we passed the required total with 7 balls to spare. It was Our innings begun in the worst possible way with Will Lovell out first an amazing win and the boys should be proud of the way they stuck ball. Noah Croes joined Charlie Loveridge and with great applica- at the task. We played a great brand of cricket, but the challenge is tion they worked through a tough period before stumps with solid to keep improving, which we can. defence and some crisp stroke play. We finished the day on 1 for 49 We now have two weeks to prepare for the next game against Car- and were confident of finishing the job on Saturday, after a hearty ey as we have the bye followed by the long weekend. The team will team breakfast at a local cafe. be working very hard to keep improving in all areas, with our growth mindset and hunter mentality. MATCH REPORTS FROM 25TH FEB…

Second XI GC won the toss and elected to bat, opening bowlers Wynne and Rubins were as usual giving the CG bats nothing in their early overs. Wynne struck early with a LBW and GC were 1/29 off 10. GC bats then got on top and posted a very respectable but very gettable 228. Wynne and Nehme ended up with two wickets, Rubins, Easton and Roseby one each. Bromell, Sparks, Lloyd, Japp and Adams all took catches. Bromell and Stubbings again got off to good starts, however CG bowlers simply bowled straight and we found it difficult to get on top of the run rate. Sparks was the outstanding bat for us, he was active and in control from the first ball, his 67 from 71 balls gave us a slight chance but unfortunately we fell 35 runs short.

Third XI This week Angus Manson captained the thirds against Grammar and got us on the front foot winning the toss and selecting to bat. After the loss of again early wickets Adams and Solomon took control getting the game back on our hands with a 40 run partnership. After Solomon was unluckily dismissed shaw came to the crease and took over. Shaw and Adams both made convincing and unbeaten 50s and a little late Oder hitting from Lund took the thirds too 163 off 28 overs. Seppi and Nixon then opened the Bowling and put the pressure straight on MGS with the first 4 overs being maidens including two wicket maidens from Seppi. Follow the first 4 overs Nixon took 2 of his own and got dropped on a hatrick ball. Following the openers Gration and Sheather continued to give the Melbourne Grammar batsmen nothing. Manson took two wickets also and is left with a hatrick ball on his first ball next game. With two run outs from some great fielding also we bowled them out for 100. Another great win for the thirds.

10As Melbourne 8 for 193 def. Scotch College 8 for 189 In a cracking match Scotch went down to Melbourne Grammar on the Meares Oval at Scotch by 4 runs. Winning the toss we elected to bowl in perfect conditions for batting. MGS made full use of the conditions and built a solid platform from which they could launch over the final overs. Tight bowling again from Tom Buchanan (2 for 10 off 10 overs) and Justin Baumgarten 2 for 26 off 10 overs) in the middle section pulled the run rate back. Charlie Veitch (0 for 25 off 7 overs) showed that he can bowl at this level, and in a surprise move (and part of a complicated early season deal!) Jack Beilby bowled well, picking up 1 for 10 off 3 overs. Hugh McLeish (12) and Hamish Johnston (34) got us off to a good start, seeing off the first 15 overs. Will Steventon (33) again batted well at number three however, as the pitch started to wear, Melbourne Grammar’s spinners got on top and the run rate began to build. We need to take the spinners on more by coming down the wicket and hitting them over their head when the field is up. This didn’t occur until the 29th over, meaning we let MGS have mid-on and mid-off up for 180 deliveries denying us easy singles. As soon as we hit the first one over their head, they moved back. This cannot occur again. Our middle order struggled to pick up the run rate, but Jack Beilby batted with good intent hitting 11 off 5 balls to change up the game. Henry Fyfe (35) batted with great poise and, together with Angus Parnham (22) it looked like we might be able to reel MGS in. Sadly Angus’ runout again saw a momentum swing and MGS hung on to win by 4 runs. A great day of learning for the 10As and we look forward to taking on Caulfield Grammar next week and returning to the winners list. 10Bs The 10B's lost the toss against Melbourne Grammar this week and were put in to bowl. With decent bowling from Nicho- las Nolan and Will Western, we were able to keep them to 141 from 30 overs on the Rugby Oval. We went in to bat with high hopes, but unfortunately the MGS bowlers got the better of us, bowling us out for 105. Tom Sennitt was a shining light, making 70 of those runs for us.

9As Melbourne Grammar scored 81 all out (38 Overs) and were defeated by Scotch 2/82. The 9A cricket team enjoyed a handsome victory against Melbourne Grammar School over the past weekend. After winning the toss MGS elected to bat - a decision they would probably later regret. From the first ball our bowlers put the opposition under tremendous pressure by bowling with pace, accuracy and guile. Jesse (2/11, 6 Overs), Henry (0/15, 6 Overs) and Varun (0/9, 6 Overs) started aggressively and never allowed the batsmen to settle or the run rate to pass 2 runs per over! Nicholas (1/11, 6 Overs) and Tyler (3/11, 6 Overs) came on and sorted out the middle order and so caused a massive collapse due to some very disci- plined and clever bowling. Yash (1/8, 4 Overs), Griffin (2/4, 3 Overs) and Shaun (1/9, 1 Over) tidily wrapped up the tail for an innings total of 81 runs. *Putting the ball in the right areas and making the batsman make the decisions is what made, and always will, the difference. Our aim, batting, was to go out and play sensible cricket. We had lots of time to make the required amount of runs and were under no immediate pressure. Melbourne Grammar started well and bowled with determination and purpose. Hugo and Alex got off to a slow, but solid start before Alex was caught for 4 runs. Henry came in next and looked good for a while before he was dis- missed, stumped. Varun was in next, and the last batsman to come from Scotch, as he and Hugo steered us to an 8 wicket vic- tory. Hugo ended on a very determined 38 not out and Varun on a well worked 21, not out. 9Bs 10-116, 28.1 Overs were defeated by Scotch 4-120, 22 Overs Playing away against Haileybury for the second time this season, the 9Bs sought to preserve their yearlong unbeaten streak. Winning the toss, Will Rice elected to bowl first, as he hoped to make the most of the dewy, early morning con- ditions. While opener Joe Balderstone (0/15) did his best minimise the scoring rate, Haileybury capitalised on Scotch’s short bowling from the other end and raced to 0-50 after 10 overs. It wasn’t until the 12th over that Harry Parsons (1/16) broke the host’s opening stand, trapping Haileybury’s captain LBW for 29. From this point onwards, our opposi- tion’s scoring rate slowed thanks mostly to the accurate bowling of Emil Ali (2/16). By all appearances, Haileybury were cruising at 2-108 off 22 overs. Much like the Indians in the Pune test match, however, our opposition’s middle order crumbled as they lost 8 wickets for 8 runs in the span of 6 overs. Fred Strong (6/6) proved lethal with the ball, while Will Rice (1/0) bowled three overs for three maidens from the other end. Eventually dismissed in the 29th over, Haileybury slumped to the sub-par total of 116. In reply, Angus Wells (20) gave Scotch an electric start, smashing four boundaries in an innings that lasted just 12 balls. Sharing in a 46 run stand with first drop Sam McLellan (13), Raj Sandhu (40*) played superbly throughout his chanceless 23 ball knock. Blasting a six while on 34, Sandhu had to re- tire to bring Charlie Smith (17) to the crease. Batting patiently in tandem with Harry Parsons (4*), Smith brought us to within 1 run of our target, before he nicked one through to the wicketkeeper and brought a 26 run partnership to a close. Sam Harle (4*) then strolled out to the middle and secured the win for Scotch with a blazing cover drive that rocketed to the boundary. Passing Haileybury’s total after 22 overs, our boys can be proud of their 6 wicket victory.

9Cs The 9C's travelled to Carey where the boys put on a clinic. Winning the toss and electing to bat the boys made a re- spectable 114 thanks to Braddy's 30 not out, Cross' 21, and contributions from others. The bowling got off to the best imaginable start thanks to one of the best spells ever to grace the Carey sports grounds, as Cross took a hat trick en route to final figures of 4/3, whilst Buck Rodgers chipped in with 2, Tom An with 2 and two great direct hit run outs from Cross and McKenzie to have Carey all out for 70.

8As Scotch 196 def. Haileybury 118 Over the last two weekends the 8A's took on Haileybury out at Keysborough. Losing the toss, the boys were sent into the field where they managed to get away with a number of missed opportunities to come out with a strong perfor- mance. For the most part, it was an introduction to the longer format of the game for the boys. However, this did not deter the efforts of our bowlers, who managed to deliver consistent lines and lengths. Haileybury toiled hard and were 5 for 107 at the 40 over mark, however an inspired return to the field saw the boys take a surprising 5 for 11 inside 8 overs after drinks. Wickets were shared amongst the bowlers, with James Meggitt (2 for 15 off 7), Scott Beilby (2 for 13 off 7) and debutant Hugo Brommell (2 for 12 off 6) being the multiple wicket takers. In response, the boys were 0/11 off 8 at stumps, leaving them 52 overs to chase the remaining 108 runs the following week. The following week openers Hugo Birks and Alex Meggitt set about continuing the run chase in a patient manner. They did this nicely, progressing the score to 0/47 before Alex was unfortunately dismissed for a crafty 36. Following this, Hugo Birks (24 retired) and Jago Dick (16) put the victory beyond doubt, taking the score to 2/91. Following great positive intent from Scott Beilby (20) and Hamish Francis (26) we managed to pass their total for the loss of 3 wickets. Following this, the boys continued to up the tempo as our innings drew to a close, leaving us eventually being dis- missed chasing quick runs for 196 following cameos from Tom Fish and Sam Darcy. All in all, it was another tidy victo- ry to the 8A's who continue their undefeated run for the season!

8Cs Playing St Kevins down at Dorothy Laver Reserve, we batted first and made a total of 102. First drop Tom Worsteling batted brilliantly, anchoring our innings with a top score of 30*. His running between the wickets was excellent and often would turn a single into a two. JP was the next top scorer with 21, and he showcased some sublime off drives which raced to the boundary. To their credit St Kevins bowled very well throughout the innings. Our bowling was tight and after a quick start from St Kevins, we really held them well in the middle overs of the game. Lachie Permezel bowled brilliantly taking 2/4 whilst Lachie Western was right on the money taking 2/7. The highlight of the day went to Alec Ashby who had a brilliant direct hit for a run out. Unfortunately St Kevins ended up making our total with 6 overs to go and 2 wickets in hand.

7As Xavier Burke Hall (9 – 74) were defeated by Scotch (3 – 138) Player of the Match: Henry Gray The 7A Red team returned home to face Xavier Burke Hall on the Melville. Captain Tom Murphy lost the toss and, with the morning dew still glistening in emerald hue off the manicured and expansive playing surface, was asked to bowl. The Scotch opening attack of Tom Sutherland and Will Townsend went straight to their work, peppering off stump with some fast and accurate bowling, and conceding just 15 runs between them in the first eight overs. Sutherland pro- duced another candidate for “ball of the season” with an off-cutter that sliced through the Xavier opener’s defence, taking the top of middle and off. Scotch’s first change of Henry Meggitt and Sam Dethridge kept the pressure on, with Meggitt producing a characteristically miserly spell of 0 – 5 from three quality overs, while Dethridge attacked at the other end, taking two wickets in his three over spell. Each time Xavier thought they had “seen off” the best of the Scotch bowlers, quality in a different guise emerged at the other end. George Burney, Eddie Shearer, captain Murphy, Henry Gray and Lachie Mailer all produced excellent spells to hold Xavier to just 74 from their allotted 32 overs. Scotch began their chase cautiously on a wicket that still offered plenty of assistance to the bowlers. At 1 – 3 after the early dismissal of captain Murphy, who got one that “stopped and popped”, the Scotch batsmen knew they were going to have to work hard for the victory. (Report continued on next page…) 7As Continued… As Will Hucker made his way to the crease, scanning the field through a steely gaze, one could sense that Xavier were be- ginning to believe that they might just pull off an unlikely and famous victory. However, Hucker and his comrade in arms at the other end, Gray, had other ideas. In just six overs of high quality batting and running between the wickets, Hucker and Gray had all but extinguished Xavier’s hopes of victory. Gray, particularly ruthless towards anything wide of off stump, em- ployed his trade mark “slap cut” to great effect and worked the Xavier bowlers to all points of the ground en route to an ex- cellent and unbeaten 35 retired. Hucker concentrated fiercely for a determined and game changing 33 before being caught attempting to force the runs. Charlie Ward, backing up after a long stint behind the stumps, contributed a classy 32, ably supported by Burney and Townsend late in the innings. Scotch finished their innings at 3 – 138 after 30 overs, and continue to impress the pundits with the quality of their play as individuals and as a team.

7B Golds Wesley 9/190 def. Scotch 176 The 7B Gold had an exciting match on the tiny confines of Anderson Park. We bowled first and the tone of the match was set early with the short square boundaries getting peppered early and often. We fielded well and took some strong catches however Wesley were able to post a strong total of 190 setting us a daunting chase ahead off 30 overs. Arjun Dhingra and David Lumsden were able to take 2 wickets each with the new ball. We started the chase strongly and largely thanks to su- perb batting performances by Dochy Creek and Alex Tatkovic who both retired with 35. Needing 16 off the final 2 overs we unfortunately lost the last wicket denying us the chance for a scintillating run chase.

Old Scotch Cricket Club 1st XI make MCC Club XI Grand Final for tilt at Back to Back Flags… Be at Scotch on Sunday to cheer them on!

In a dramatic weekend of semi-final cricket, Old Scotch will defend their MCC Division 1 title next Sunday at Scotch College after defeating traditional rivals Old Melburnians on the main oval at Scotch on Sunday. Winning the toss the Scotchies elected to send Old Melburnians in, and we immediately had them on the back foot. Harry Short (2 for 16 off 7 overs) and warrior Garry Bennet (2 for 20 off 4 overs) ripped through the OMs top order to have them reeling at 4 for 36. A steady flow of wickets saw OMs reach 9 for 103 after their allotted 40 overs. Sam Shearer (3 for 17 off 8 overs), Will Hays (0 for 24 off 8 overs), skipper Matt Grose (0 for 11 off 5 overs) and Year 12 Chris Jackson (1 for 12 off 8 overs) all did their bit. The chase began well, with Cameron Melville (19) and President Tim Hosking (15) putting on 33 for the first wicket. Four quick wickets for 7 runs gave the OMs some hope, but this was put to bed by Seb Armstrong (29) and Sam Murray (29) who both batted with great composure under a lot of pressure to get the boys into another MCC Grand Final. Sadly the seconds couldn’t get up on the Meares Oval against another traditional rival in Old Xavier. Old Xavs were restrict- ed to 154 off their 40 overs. Club stalwart Mark Griffiths (42) set up the chase well but when Al Reeves was dismissed in the 35th over Old Xavier lifted and restricted us to 8 for 147. The twos can be proud of their great team first approach. Sadly, the ever-changing MCC finals qualification rules have nothing in common with this mindset. The MCC Division 1 Grand Final will be played against Old Geelong on the Main Oval at Scotch College at 12.30pm on Sunday 4 March. All members of the Scotch Family are encouraged to attend as the boys look to go Back to Back!